A/N: So I lied and this fic will be much longer than ten chapters. More like seventeen. Hope you don't mind. No, didn't think you would.

I'm so tired of entering disclaimers. Just imagine there's one here.

Chapter 10: Barbados

Kyoko was up on deck this time when the lookout called out 'port, ho'. Or more specifically, she was above the deck, helping the Ishibashis pull down the rigged sail.

Well, sail was pushing the term to its limit. In actuality, they had taken several panels of sail cloth and cobbled them together to form something resembling a working sail. That is, if you considered anything that could catch the wind and help move the ship a sail.

Thankfully it had done it's job. Kuon had reckoned that they had shaved at least a day off their travel time. However, now that they'd reached their destination, it was time to take down the construct.

"Look out below!" She called as she released her final rope, allowing the sail cloth to fall to the deck. After making sure she had hit no one, Kyoko settled herself on the yardarm, wrapping her arm around the mast to steady herself. She turned her attention outwards and took in the scenery.

They were approaching the Bridgetown Harbor. She didn't know much about the port except that it was under British rule and had a garrison. Although, from her vantage point, she could see a multitude of white sandy beaches and green palm trees. The natural landscape was interrupted by several buildings which eventually led to the main town. It was hard to tell from this distance, but the port appeared bustling and prosperous.

As she watched, several merchant ships passed on their way out to sea. She saw many different flags, but the majority were British. In addition to the merchants, there were many naval ships, which made her very nervous. Not only for herself, but for Kuon as well. He still had a massive reward on his head and being in a port with a large military presence was as bad as surrendering, even if his father was governor.

Kyoko wondered at her friend's insistence on coming to Barbados. She wasn't confident that this was the safest course, but she trusted her captain. She knew he would never allow anything to happen to her or his crew, which he had already proven, but he had been acting a bit odd ever since the battle.

The damage done to his library had obliterated his collection of Latin resources, effectively putting a stop to their translation sessions. So instead, her evenings had been filled with more fighting practice. Kuon seemed determined to teach her every sort of combat technique he knew. The last few days had been hand-to-hand combat. At least that's what he called it. Kanae and Tom simply called it bar fighting.

Either way, Kyoko often found herself experiencing close contact with her captain. It was a most heady experience. She felt that she would never be her proper color again, thanks to all the blushing she was doing. What had been most strange was that she sometimes got the feeling that Kuon was having the same problem.

Since this new fighting style was more effective in close quarters and against larger opponents, her friend was having to grab and hold her in order to practice. Occasionally, Kyoko would trip him and they would both end up entangled with each other. These were the times that the blushing was at its worst. And sometimes Kuon would get a heated look in his eye that would cause an equal warmth to pool in her stomach and spread throughout her limbs. Kyoko had no inkling as to what these looks meant, but they made her very anxious.

"Ms. Mogami!" Speak of the devil and he appears.

She peered down at the deck beneath her feet and saw Kuon standing with Mr. Yashiro, waving up at her. He wore an amused expression while the first mate appeared uneasy. Once he saw he had her attention, her captain beckoned for her to join them. She saluted and grabbed the nearest rope to shimmy her way down to the deck.

As she descended, she had to admit that she was glad he had insisted she change clothes. Before, her sleeves had always gotten tangled up in the ropes, but she no longer had to worry about that now. She touched down and dusted her hands off, facing her crew mates. "What can I do for you, captain?"

Kuon grinned widely at her. "We're about to dock. Once we do, we," he indicated Mr. Yashiro and himself, "are going to pay a visit to the governor. I'd like you to join us."

She was shocked (and a tiny bit flattered if she was honest with herself). "You want me to go with you?" He nodded and she felt an enormous pit form in her stomach. Although he hadn't said it in so many words, he was taking her to meet his family. Kyoko wasn't sure what this meant or how she felt about it apart from nervous.

What she knew about the admiral was restricted to what Kuon had told her (which wasn't terribly much) and the stories she had heard from other sailors. What she'd heard painted Kuu Hizuri as the bravest and most courageous officer the British Navy had ever produced.

She began to understand how Kuon had felt as a boy, having this legend as a father. How was she to make any sort of impression on such a man? She had been born and raised as a servant and was a deserter to boot. What if he didn't like her? What if he turned her in for her crime? What if-

Two warm hands gripped her arms, pulling Kyoko out of her inner turmoil. She looked up into Kuon's dark green eyes and saw that unknowable emotion she'd been wondering about for the past several days. She still couldn't place it, although she felt that she should be able to. The warmth that usually came over her now helped to calm her nerves and allowed her to smile tentatively up at him.

He reciprocated with a gentle smile that caused her heart to flutter. "It'll be fine, Kyoko," he reassured her. "Just be yourself, OK?"

She nodded, still vaguely uncertain but willing to try.

"Captain," Mr. Yashiro spoke from the railing. He was watching something on the approaching dock. "It looks as if we have visitors."

Kuon furrowed his brow in confusion. "Visitors?"

Mr. Yashiro looked back over his shoulder wearing a troubled expression. "Of the official variety."

The captain cursed as he and Kyoko joined the first mate at the railing to observe their 'visitors'. It was a small contingent of soldiers, four privates and one lieutenant, dressed in the crisp red uniforms of the British army. As the Dark Moon approached the dock, the lieutenant called out, "Are you Captain Ren Tsuruga?"

Kyoko saw Kuon's brows hit his hairline in surprise before falling back into a concerned look. "Perhaps. Who's asking?" He answered cautiously. This had the potential to become very bad, very quickly.

"Our governor wishes to speak with you" was the response.

The tension in his shoulders eased only slightly. "Then it's fortunate that I'm seeking an audience with him as well."

He turned away from the rail without waiting for a response. Mr. Yashiro's anxious expression deepened. "Captain, are you sure this is wise?" His voice conveyed the same worry Kyoko herself felt and she knew who the governor was to Kuon.

The captain slapped his first mate's back, confidence seemingly high. "It'll be fine. Besides, you'll be with me, right?" With a quick smirk, he then turned and began shouting orders to Tom and Hikaru about the repairs.

Kyoko sidled up to the first mate when she noted his continued tension. "Don't worry, Mr. Yashiro. Everything will be alright."

He cut his gaze to her. "I hope you're right, Ms. Mogami." He returned his eyes to the awaiting soldiers. "I hope you're right."

O.o.O

It was another fifteen minutes before they were fully docked and ready to accompany the soldiers. The lieutenant, one John Brown by name, was polite and respectful to the three crew mates. Kyoko figured that if he'd been inclined to arrest Kuon, he would have done it by now.

Instead, Lt. Brown led them to an awaiting carriage. It was a common style coach, shiny black and enclosed, pulled by a pair of white horses. The lieutenant handed her in and she settled onto the far side of the forward facing bench. Kuon climbed in and immediately took the seat next to her, leaving Mr. Yashiro and the lieutenant to share the opposite bench.

For some reason, Kuon seemed irritated. Kyoko glanced over to him. He was sitting tensely with his arms crossed and he was glowering at Lt. Brown, who was delivering orders out the window to his men. After a moment, he finished his instructions and turned his attention to the pirates. As the carriage jolted into motion, Kyoko took in his appearance.

He appeared to be only a few years older than she was, perhaps around twenty. He was handsome enough with dark auburn hair and light blue eyes. Unfortunately, the brilliant red of the lieutenant's uniform was a constant reminder of the possible danger they could be in. Kyoko did think it was odd that Kuon's father would send soldiers to fetch his pirate son, but perhaps he wasn't aware of his son's occupation?

Another odd thing was how intently Lt. Brown was staring at the captain. It didn't seem hostile, unlike Kuon's own glare. Rather, it seemed almost worshipful. The two men continued in this fashion, with Kyoko and Mr. Yashiro caught in the middle of the growing tension. Finally, Kuon snapped.

In his iciest tone, he asked, "Is something the matter, Lt. Brown?"

The young soldier jolted as if struck by lightning. "Ah. No, sir," he stammered, clearly intimidated by the captain's infamous gentlemanly smile. "It's just-" He paused, unsure.

"Yes?" Kuon prompted, obviously enjoying the lieutenant's discomfort. Kyoko dug an elbow into her friend's side, trying to get him to lighten up. He merely glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and lifted one corner of his mouth in a smirk before returning his attention to the young man across from him.

The lieutenant took a deep breath as if steeling himself. "I just wanted to thank you."

A shocked silence came over the carriage at this declaration. 'Well, that's a surprise,' Kyoko thought, smiling at Kuon's dropped jaw. 'I don't think any of us were expecting that.'

When the captain remained speechless, Mr. Yashiro undertook the task of questioning. "Whatever do you mean, lieutenant? I don't believe we've ever crossed paths with you."

Lt. Brown faced the first mate. "No, you haven't." Seeing the confused expressions on their faces, he pulled a golden locket from his coat pocket and cracked it open. "I don't suppose you remember aiding a British merchanter about nine months ago?" He passed the locket to Mr. Yashiro, who examined it and passed it on to Kuon. "The Tragic Marker?"

Kuon glanced up from his scrutiny of the locket. "Under Captain Konoe, wasn't it?" He handed the piece of jewellery over to Kyoko. Inside was a picture of a young girl, possibly fifteen or so. She greatly resembled Lt. Brown with dark hair, light colored eyes, and pretty delicate features.

"Yes!" The lieutenant cried, leaning forward in excitement. "My sister, Marie," he indicated the locket, "was aboard when those other pirates attacked."

"I remember now," Mr. Yashiro exclaimed. "We were patrolling those waters at Captain Takarada's request because his friend was due with a shipment for him."

The captain nodded. "That's right. And it was a good thing we were, otherwise the Tragic Marker would have been overrun."

Kyoko returned Lt. Brown's locket. "I'm guessing your sister wasn't hurt in the attack?

"No, thanks to Captain Tsuruga." He faced Kuon. "I owe you a great debt, sir. Marie is the only family I have left. If you have need of anything while in port, please seek me out."

"There's no need for that." The captain waved off the gratitude. "We just happened to be at the right place at the right time."

Amazed, Kyoko shook her head. There he went again, denying any praise or gratitude from those he had saved, however indirectly. She wasn't quite sure if he was being dense or humble. Glancing over at Mr. Yashiro, who was rolling his eyes at her friend, she realized that this was a common occurrence. When she caught the first mate's gaze, she smiled in commiseration.

"So, lieutenant," she said, changing the subject. "Where are we headed if I may ask?"

Lt. Brown gave her a winning smile. "Well, Miss-" he frowned as he stumbled over her name, which hadn't been given.

She smiled in return. "Oh, you can call me Kyoko."

"Very well, Miss Kyoko. We're headed for St. Ann's Fort, where the governor keeps an office. You can just see it there." The lieutenant leaned over Mr. Yashiro to point out her window. Kyoko joined him in looking outside, not noticing how close her face was to the handsome lieutenant's, or how Kuon's jaw clenched, or how the grin spread over the first mate's face.

She followed his finger and caught sight of a long two story building made of dark red brick and trimmed in white. It was a rather basic government building, but the coloring made a striking image against the blue sky and greenery. Kyoko could also see several soldiers running drills and standing guard as they passed through the main gates onto the premises.

The carriage came to a halt in front of a pair of staircases. Lt. Brown opened the door and announced, "We're here." He stepped lightly from the interior, followed by Mr. Yashiro and the captain. Kyoko was the last out and as she made to descend, the lieutenant offered his hand, only to be beat out by Kuon.

'Thank you," she murmured, heat rising in her cheeks. Would she never get used to his touch? A snicker brought her attention to the first mate, who appeared to be laughing behind his hand as Kuon glared at him. She wondered what that was about for a brief moment before shrugging it off as a 'male thing'.

Lt. Brown was already half way up one staircase before the rest of them began following him. They entered the building together. "The governor's office is there." He pointed to the ornately carved doorway in front of them. "If you'll kindly wait a moment," he gestured to a wooden bench along the wall. "I'll announce you."

The three crew mates took their seats as the lieutenant knocked and was bade to enter. Opening the door, he disappeared into the office. Kyoko's stomach was beginning to clench in nervousness and her hands were fisted over her knees, when Kuon's large hand covered one of hers.

She cut her eyes to his. He simply smiled at her, which in its own way made her stomach tie in worse knots. "Don't worry," he said gently. "Everything will be fine."

"Captain Tsuruga?" Lt. Brown had returned. "Governor Hizuri will see you now." All three made to stand. "Ah," the lieutenant interjected. "My apologies. He wishes to speak with the captain alone."

Kyoko examined her friend's expression. Apprehension appeared briefly before disappearing behind a pleasant mask. "Of course," he agreed, rising and crossing to the door. He knocked. She watched as he squared his shoulders when the call of 'enter' came.

A brief dart of his eyes towards her and then he was gone. 'Good luck,' she wished silently, not knowing what awaited her friend.

O.o.O

That momentary glimpse of Kyoko's anxious countenance was all Ren allowed himself before he entered the lion's den. Pulling the heavy door open was one of the hardest tasks he'd done in recent times. Stepping through took an inordinate amount of will to accomplish. Even as the door clicked shut with dreadful finality behind him, Ren contemplated making a run for it.

No, he was no longer the coward he had been in his youth. No more running. It was time to face his failures and his father.

The man himself was seated behind an immense mahogany desk strewn with official looking documents. His head was lowered as he continued writing. Staring at the top of his head, Ren could still tell that Admiral, now Governor, Kuu Hizuri had not changed.

He appeared to be in fine physical condition, his tall, lean form and broad shoulders covered by a midnight blue coat accented in dark gold. No fanciful embroidery or braiding for him, only practicality. Perhaps that was why he eschewed the powdered wigs that most officials deemed necessary. Kuu Hizuri's shoulder length ash blond hair was tied back neatly and out of his eyes.

As Ren watched, Kuu signed his memorandum with a flourish and put it aside. He lay down his quill and raised his gaze upwards. His cerulean blue eyes and unreadable expression revealed nothing of his inner thoughts. For a long moment, the two men stared at one another; governor and pirate captain, father and son.

Finally, Kuu broke the silence with a raised brow and an arch tone. "Captain Ren Tsuruga, I presume?"

Being called such by his father had a curious affect on the captain. It both constricted and freed him to act in a certain manner. 'Does he want to preserve the disassociation between us?' He wondered even as he nodded in acknowledgement. "Yes, sir," he answered, bowing from the waist.

"Won't you please sit?" Kuu indicated the pair of chairs arranged in front of the desk.

Ren was a bit reluctant to leave the vicinity of his nearest exit, but he figured there was not much else he could do. He crossed the enormous and yet relatively small distance between himself and his father. He settled into the offered seat, bracing for any possibility.

Kuu was studying him intently as if trying to imprint every last detail in his mind. Ren shifted in the chair, uncomfortable in the tense silence. At last, he could take no more and asked the question that had been plaguing him since the dock. "How did you know I was in port?"

His father leaned forward, elbows on the desk and hands clasped together under his chin. "Someone spotted your ship and reported it to me."

"Oh?" The inquiring lilt in his question begged for more information. "And how did you know it was my ship?"

One word. "Lory."

"Ah." That would explain quite a lot actually. The fact that Kuu wasn't surprised by his appearance or pseudonym. The fact that not once in the years he'd been gone had he heard of a search for him. The fact that Lory took especial care of him.

"Yes." Kuu rose and paced to one of his many bookcases, pulling a specific tome off the shelf. "He makes sure I know what is happening with you as often as he can." He removed several letters from the book before replacing it. He came and stood next to Ren, handing him the letters. "He sent a description of your ship after you received it. I gave that description to my men and offered a reward if any spotted it in the harbour."

Ren examined the numerous letters bemusedly. "But why would you care-"

A sharp pain in the middle of his forehead caused him to jerk his head up in shock. His hand rose and covered the spot that had been hit. "Did you just...flick me?" He asked incredulously.

His father cocked a hip and leaned against his desk, arms folded. "Naturally. How else should a father react to his son saying something so idiotic?"

A warmth flooded Ren at the sentiment. He lowered his head, hand still rubbing at the soreness. "I didn't think you would still consider me your son after all that had happened."

"Kuon." A hand removing the letters from his grasp and tossing them on the desk brought his attention upward to his father's face. Kuu's expression was soft and full of gentle admonishment. "You'll always be my son, you silly boy. No matter what happens."

The tightness that had been strangling his heart released and a cool sense of relief washed over him. His hand clasped his father's, which now rested on his shoulder, and he smiled. Kuu grinned back before ruffling his son's hair as though he were a young boy and not an infamous pirate. Ren groaned in mock annoyance and batted at his father, who just laughed and moved to sit in the adjacent chair.

"So!" Kuu clapped his hands together, a happy feeling radiating from him. "What brings the famous Captain Tsuruga to Bridgetown?"

"Well," Ren began, his relief short lived as his mind was brought back to his current state of affairs. "For one, my ship needs repairs."

Kuu blinked in shock. "Repairs? What on earth happened?"

As he laid out the events of the past several weeks, beginning with Tortuga and ending with the battle with Reino, his father's expression darkened. When Ren finished, Kuu maintained a stony silence for a long moment. Finally, he spoke. "This girl you've picked up seems to have brought a lot of problems. Why haven't you left her to her own devices and sailed off?"

He shook his head vehemently, his heart constricting painfully at even the thought of abandoning Kyoko. "I won't."

His father furrowed his brow. "Won't?" Then suddenly his eyes widened in realization. "Perhaps more like 'can't'. Tell me, son." Kuu leaned forward. "How long?"

"How long what?" Ren asked, although he was almost certain he knew what was being asked.

"How long have you loved her?"

Ren sighed deeply, massaging his temples in frustration. Exactly how transparent was he? It seemed as if everyone, save the girl in question, was aware of his feelings. First Yashiro and now his father? He was also pretty sure that Tom and Kotonami at least suspected.

He groaned and rubbed his face, slumping in his seat. "I haven't been aware of it for long," he ventured at last. "A few days only. But if I had to guess when it started?" He uncovered his eyes to gauge Kuu's reaction to his next statement. "I think it first began when we were kids."

"When you were-" his father's confusion was palpable as he worked through Ren's confession. The moment when his son's meaning became apparent was amusing to watch even as it was dreaded. "You mean that girl you always talked about is this girl?" He asked, disbelief coloring his voice. At his nod, Kuu collapsed back in his chair, a hand running through his hair and disheveling it wildly. "The odds of such a chance meeting are-"

"Astronomical. I know." Ren stood and tried to work out some of his nervous energy. "Believe me, I know." He paced back and forth a few more times as his father absorbed all of this new information.

After a while, Kuu emerged from his thoughts and addressed his son. "I'd like to meet her," he declared, surprising the captain into a standstill.

"Does that mean you'll help us?"

His father scoffed good-naturedly. "Of course. That goes without saying. And obviously you'll be staying at the house."

"Oh no, we couldn't possibly-"

Kuu moved so quickly that Ren barely had time to clap a hand over his forehead. His father stood in front of him, poised to inflict another flicking. "What were you going to say, son?" He growled.

Ren swallowed nervously. "Nothing, sir. Just that we couldn't possibly say no to such a generous offer."

Lowering his arm, Kuu smiled brightly, all traces of anger dissipating as fast as they'd appeared. "Good. Your mother will be pleased."

"How is she?" He asked, cautiously lowering his hand. He then became alarmed when Kuu's expression darkened. "What's happened? What's wrong with her?"

"Kuon," his father said mournfully. "Your mother- she told me, just this morning, that she only has three months left." He hid his face in his hands, covering it completely.

"That's..." Ren began after a moment. "A surprisingly realistic amount of time."

He broke into a smile when Kuu showed his own laughing face. "It is, isn't it?" His father chuckled. "Nearly scared me half to death. But," he sighed. "You know Juliena. She does enjoy her drama." Both men shook their heads at the strange habits of Mrs. Juliena Hizuri. "Well, let's get you to the house, my lad." Kuu clapped his hand on his son's shoulder. "No time like the present."

"No, sir." Ren watched as his father gathered up his belongings in preparation to leave. "Indeed there is not."