Hello you wonderful people! *gasp* I'm alive! Sorry, it has been five months since I've up-dated. It's crazy, but time has gone by so fast!! I can't believe that's almost half a year! Well, after I had written chapter two, I had major author's block…and didn't know what to do with the story. But after a very encouraging e-mail from a reader, summer lover *waves while hugging her*, I had this burst of ideas and started writing again. This chapter has been worked on for almost two months. Yeah, I'm a lazy gal :p But I have other stories, and you won't believe the amount of homework the teachers gives us! And other stuff happened…so, I'm very sorry it has taken me this long. You guys are the best! This has been by far the most successful story I have, and you have no idea how much that means to me! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Ha! Another note: I've finally seen Pirates of the Caribbean! Yeah, some of you might be thinking 'wha…are you CRAZY????' well, I live in the middle of nowhere in Africa, and we don't have cinemas, and when I came back from the summer holidays, the movie was not out yet in Brazil. So…at Christmas we got the movie for present^__^ You know, after I saw the movie, I've noticed how…. similar my story is…and what happens to the story, and I don't know if I stick to what I have or should I change…? I'll think about it. Anyway, very sorry for the long author's note, you must be bored to death by now. Also, I've decided to make this chapter long and juicy for you readers to enjoy, you guys deserve it!!!
*~*Thank List*~*
skylover-LOL, i was very bad with the cliffy...AND with the long up-date U.U;; well, at LEAST i have continued, ne? ^_^;; I hope you like it! And thanks for reviewing!!
cats_4_wang-thanks for reviewing^___________^ enjoy the new chapter^_~
Syvonair-*blush* thanks with the nice comments!!! Enjoy the new chapter^_^
Ingrid-I have continued YAY!! That took ages...thanks for clicking the cute little blue button and leaving a review for moi^___~
one-winged-YAY! I've finally seen it! *grins like an idiot* it's an awesome movie!! ….thanks and enjoy the new chapter^^
friend-thanks for reviewing^^ and thanks for the suggestion, maybe I´ll take it, but I´m uncomfortable with writing lemons and rape…(and this is PG-13 and it can always change…) but hints are okay, thanks!
Lifes-mysteries18-lol, I´m trying to make the chapters longer^^;; thanks for reviewing.
Sakume Nohara-*grins like an idiot* thanks fro the comments^_~ hehe, but what fun would the fic be without suspense, eh?
Cyan Moon-*blush* I´m not that good of a writer….*cough* and who said kero isn´t gonna be in the fic, eh? LOL! Well, Syaoran would look good in anything…*cough* so sexy…*cough* and Eriol too^^;;
Bloodlust Night-thanks so much for the review, I hope you like the new chapter!!
Emily 10- yeah, I hate the American version too, they have cut so much stuff….not to mention they always change the Japanese names to Americans…uh…why? *sigh* oh well…sorry fort the cliffy, but now I have the new chapter out,
ta-dah!!! Enjoy :p
Demi-kaijuu-hehe, yeah, our sexy Syaraon is gonna be a pirate *drool* enjoy the new chapter!!
Summer lover-*blush* you're welcome for the message! And besides, you write such new reviews, how could I not write nice messages?^__~ lol! Name would make VERY confusing…*blushes like mad* thanks for the sooooo nice compliments! I try my best to make it feel as if it's in the past, so Thanks!^___^ and writing a story based on the past isn't that hard (I'm a history freak^^;;) you just have to look out what you are writing, because if you put a television in the time of the Romans….yeah, you get the picture^^;; and especially what they say! It's tricky, but I'm sure with the hard work that you can put, you'll make it through^___~ thank you so much for your nice words and that sweet e-mail!! Believe me, it has helped me A LOTS! So….THANK YOU!!
ScarleT RoSe5- thanxs! Enjoy the new chapter:p
Midnight Crystal- haha, estou feliz que voce gostou! Obrigada^_~ yeah, I wanted to explain what happened to Sakura, and show a little bit of her father and brother. LOL! It is a good idea that the ship is being attacked, ne? hehe, I wouldn't mind if it was Syaraon attacking…lucky Sakura! I'm glad you liked the song, the lyrics…just came to me while I wrote the chapter^_^ it's okay that you took awhile to respond to my e-mail, now you have to respond to the other one!^^;; I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!
helen-thank you!^_^ here's the new chapter!!
MiniGhost-here's the new up-date, enjoy! Thanks for reviewing^^
kawaii berry-umm…I have only continued this story for my sake! (I wouldn't want to know what was the 'else' thing, ne?^^;;) and if you work hard in improving your writing skills, it sure will have good outcomes! Read a lot of books! After I started, it helped a lot in my writing skills, you wouldn't believe me how badly I used to write! Also, using a thesaurus is good for stronger words. Anway, enjoy chapter three!!!
liza-thanks!! I hope you continue to enjoy the story with this chapter!
Kali Kamiya-oooh! Thanks for the comments! Makes me happy^^ and to answer your question about Eriol and Tomoyo: you'll just have to read the chapter! Muhaha!
Girl-who-sings-the-blues-hehe *rubs hands in anticipation* Syaraon is coming!^_^ and here is the new chapter! READ! Lol^^;;
StarJade-lol! I think you got the wrong hottie mixed up^^;; but Van is even better:p (CCS fans throw stuff at hitomi-chan) hey! My pen-name isn't this for nothing, you know!^_~ hehe, I totally understand ya, I feel the same way (besides, it make the story longer, ne?^^;;) and it's more interesting and, of course, romantic! *romance freak!* enjoy the new chapter!
Ryuu Angel- ahh, you goof!^^;; gotta love ya!! *in a sisterly way, of course :p* hehe, Syaraon is a coming! Aye aye! and Sakura had to be strong, other wise that would have destroyed the whole story!^^;; Touya has the same voice as Van?? NO WAY! Hehe…you never know…Touya just might come back into the story…*foreshadowing* dum, dum, dum! Okay, better not say more^^;; and to answer your question about the other characters: you'll just have to read the fic! Muhahah! (to make it quick, that's a yes^^) lol! The captain talk reminds me of you^^U *blush* wow! Glad you liked the poem thingy^^ LOL! Aye aye, captain! I'll get the other fics on the road! Errr…sea!^_^U thanks a lot! Now read, read, read! ^_________^
Cherry Dragon-thanks! hehe, the new chapter is here! ^_^ enjoy!
Fruit Family-thanks^_~
pink-cherryblossoms1-thank you so much! Hope ya like the new chapter^__^
Tora-thanks, and enjoy the new chapter!
KristiexxNguyen-thanks!!!!!!!! and enjoy the new chapter!:DPeachBerry-lol! You almost didn't make it! When I got your review, I was almost done with the chapter!! Thanks for the concern, and thanks for the review, I loved it! Now you can read this chapter^_~
*****
Thanks everyone for your support and comments, they mean a lot to me, thank you!! And a special thanks to
summer lover, for e-mailing me and giving me the courage to write, and all you guys were my source of will in completing this!! (thinks of angry readers) Thank you sooo much!!! And, of course, enjoy the new chapter^_~
*****
**~**The Thief of my Heart**~**
*~*Chapter three-An Act of a Lady *~*
Sakura stood on her place, unable to move. She blinked, as a drop of sweat trailed down the back of her neck. Time stopped as a Sakura stopped breathing; her brain was flashing a million thoughts at once. The pirate are coming…pirates kill…pirates are going to capture us…pirates are going to capture me…. pirates are going to…Sakura was awaken from her trail of thoughts as she felt two heavy hands on her shoulder shaking her fiercely. Sakura focused her eyes and recognized the worried face of the captain in front of her. She backed two steps away, uncomfortable at their closeness.
"You got me worried for a second, lil´ lady. I thought ya would faint any moment," said the captain with a heavy sigh as he placed his aging hand on top of his sweating forehead, wiping some of the salty liquid away from his concentration.
"I would have," said Sakura under her breathe.
"Lil lady, as captain and head of tis' ship, I declare ya to go back inside. My men will get rid of ´em," explained the captain with a serious tone as his eyes shown fright.
Sakura looked straight at the man before her, "Captain, I have little faith in your men ridding those awful pirates away. Those barbaric men are skilled and trained to eliminate their enemies, what makes you think these gaunt little children will succeed in such an absurd challenge? You are practically sending them to their own death, captain!" hissed Sakura angrily.
The captain narrowed his eyes as he flushed a deep shade of red, "I suggest ya to think twice before ya speak with that mouth of yars, lady. There are some men who would have hurt ya for ya words and act of authority over a man! My men are no children, young lady. They are skilled fighters—" the captain stopped, breaking the eye contact he had with Sakura.
Sakura blinked. Something happened. Ignoring that thought aside, she continued, "Captain, you know as much as I do that there is little hope. Let's all fled the ship. Perhaps take the escape boats and leave! It's dark; therefore it will be highly unlikely for them to spot us. I'm sure they only want what's on this ship or they want the ship itself," said Sakura as she noticed a young boy lifting a cannon ball, looking as if it was too easy...
The captain let a rude laugh escape his lips, "We will all be dead before we reach any type of land. Two days tis' all we've got te live, lady. Tis' most likely to take 'bout a month or so to reach England again. So as ya see, lady, we have no choice but to fight back," said the captain dryly as he looked away again, somewhat ashamed by the way he was acting in front of a woman of the court, he just wished she would speak nothing of this to anyone, especially her future husband. God forbid, thought the captain with morbid. He would surely loose his head in the tone he used against the future Mrs. Buckley. Mrs. Buckley…
Sakura gasped as she realized she was trapped, and would most probably die, too. Sakura closed her eyes, fighting back the urge to cry and show her weakness. How ironic, isn't it? Sakura thought bitterly as her hands seemed cold all of a sudden and buried themselves between her folds of her woollen dress.
I was dead inside when I left home to live with that man called Mr. Buckley... And know the pirates are going to help me and take my life from this world that I see no more meaning to live in. So ironic and so sad.... God, why must life be so unfair and blissful at the same time? For every smile, a person will cry more. For every minuet of love and happiness, more pain and suffer will be brought to that person. God, why? Can't there be a happy ending like in all stories we hear our mothers read to us before we sleep? Must there be so much sorrow in this world? Is there even a God? I don't know anymore! Everything…. just…. doesn't matter anymore…
Sakura opened her eyes with an intake of air. No, I will not cry and look weak. I have to be strong to the very end. For my family and for myself. I have to do this and at least die with some honour and dignity. You are my witness, God. My witness until I take my last breath tonight.
The captain blinked at the sudden change of mood from the young lady, thinking she would be screaming and wailing by now. But she wasn't.
"Why don't we just surrender? Surely it will be better than a brutal death," reasoned Sakura.
The captain smiled briefly at the courage and determination, but soon was gone, along with any hope he had in his old heart. A dark shadow hooded his eyes, "That is quiet impossible, young lady," the captain paused, thinking carefully at his choice of words, "We can't surrender, as much as it seems easy for ya to say they will spare our lives, I know differently," There was something strange by the way he said the last statement, making Sakura suspicious of him.
"Why do you say that? Will they not spare our lives as you say? Not even with our surrender? Surely they would, any noble man would do that," said Sakura accusingly as she narrowed her eyes at the stubborn man, "Captain, are you not telling me something? Why can't we yield?"
The captain flinched at her question, but faced her quickly again in the eye, "Pirates, lil lady, are no noblemen. Far from it, I know."
Sakura wondered what the old man meant by that, but could not ponder too long when a loud voice distracted them,
"Captain!" a young voice interfered the thick atmosphere, "we need your instructions!"
As relived as a man could be, the captain spun on his heel and was about to leave when Sakura interrupted him, "Captain, as the purpose of your voyage to take me to my future husband, I am entitled to know the reasons of your secrets against my knowledge of this," Sakura paused momentarily as she glanced straight in the eyes of the captain with her fists clenched tightly, "you will answer my questions now, please."
The captain's face grew a dangerous shade of red while holding back nasty remarks, "I am very sorry lil lady, but I have duties to attend."
"Captain!" hissed Sakura.
"Lil lady, ye must take shelte' and hide. Leave this te us. I can not speak te ye right now, but if we loose those rascals, we will have the chat ye are expectin'.""Than let me help you!" Said Sakura with blurry eyes, "Let me do something to help you, even if in the end it will all be in vain! I want to at least die with some honour! Please! At least grant me this one wish."
The captain's eyes softened at her words as he approached her. Raising his hand to her cheek, he wiped away a single tear that trickled down her pure face, "I'm sorry, lil lady. I wouldn't want to cause ye so much pain. It would relieve me te see ye safe, and if in the end they capture us, I want ye te live, if they grant me this wish."
Sakura turned her face to her side, not wanting to show the silent tears that started to spill from her face.
"Please," requested the captain, "Go back to your room."
Sakura breathed heavily and turned her head back to the captain, not even wiping her tears from her face.
The captain grinned flatly, "James! C'me 'ere!"
Soon a scrawny young boy with brown hair flying behind him came trotting towards the captain, "Yes, sir?"
The captain sent a Sakura a sideways glance as she maintained her head low in anger and grief.
"I now tis' too much fer ye, but I want ye te go with this missy and guard her door, and don' even think 'bout goin' inside her room, got it? I don't want any funny business," said the captain with his big hands on his buckle with a serious voice.
The boy's eyes widened, "But sir! I can't do that—"
The captain's eyes narrowed, "What's tis'? Are ye goin' against me orders? Do as I tell ye, boy! This lil' lady is important and our duty te protect her, don't ye ever forget that," said the captain in a warning tone.
"Yes, sir," bowed the boy's head in shame.
"But captain!" Voiced Sakura, "Surely you need him to fight or do something useful! I can perfectly go to my room on my own if that's your concern!"
The captain grinned mockingly, "Lil' lady, knowin' ye for these past days has taught me one thing, yer quiet a stubborn lil' one. And I know that ye won't stay at yer room."
Sakura frowned as she crossed her arms over her chest, "Humph!"
The captain chuckled, "Well, me got te go, missy. Guard her," the captain told the boy the last part with a frown.
The young boy nodded his head vigorously.
The captain walked forward until he placed his stiff arms on Sakura's shoulders, his eyes flashed fear, "Do me one thing, I beg ye. Whatever ye do, never let those bastards find ye, got it? Ye can't leave yer room, if they find ye, at least we tried our best," the captain looked as if he had something else to say, but quickly retreated his hands from her shoulders and bowed to Sakura, and before she could question him, the old man left without saying another word.
Sakura watched as the captain headed towards a young man who seemed to be waiting for him. The two men conversed with each other very rapidly giving instructions. The old man frowned and bobbed his head in agreement with something the young man said to him. Soon the two males walked ahead until Sakura could no longer see them amid the crowd of young boys and the loud noises of people moving and orders being called out. Sakura closed her eyes and wiped her tears away furiously.
"Let's go," grumbled the boy while grabbing Sakura by the arm when she didn't move.
Moving her arm from the boy's grip, she glared at him and bobbed her head forward to indicate she would follow him. Sighing, the boy walked ahead to lead the young woman to her chamber. While Sakura was following behind, she thought what she would do. Coming to a conclusion, Sakura's eyes hardened. If he won't let me help, I'll just have to do it my own way.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Upstairs there was much noise and footsteps everywhere; Sakura reasoned with herself as she plopped her head against her delicate hand as she sat lazily on her neat bed. Sakura groaned when the boy outside her door—James—started to whistle again. I have no idea how long I've been here, but I'm almost certain it has been one hour or so. Pondered Sakura as she leaned against the wall and gazed to the wooden ceiling.
Sakura shut her eyes and thought on what she would do soon. A grimacing smile came to her lips. If father were to ever know about this, he would surely have my head. Not to mention brother. Sakura unconsciously shivered. No young lady is to act in such a manner…. my Goodness, I don't even know how I'll have the courage in me for such a risqué act! Sakura's cheeks flushed bright red at her plan. I hope this works. Thought Sakura as she made a little prayer with a gloomy face.
Standing up with a sigh, Sakura opened her eyes and straightened her dress while looking herself in the mirror. Looking at her reflection, Sakura started to open a few buttons, enough for a man to notice the beginning of her lush breasts. Sakura gulped with shaking hands. Breathing deeply Sakura walked slowly to the door, with one hand on the knob and another finding something heavy. Sakura pressed her ear to the door, knowing that the hall was inhabited except for James.
Opening her door to a crack, Sakura poked her head out, "James?"
The boy ceased on his whistling when a melodious voice rang his ears, snapping his eyes to the source, he found himself staring into green orbs. James swallowed, "Y-yes?"
Sakura inwardly gagged. She had noticed within her trip that this young fellow had been looking at her direction too often…and Sakura suspected that he was infatuated with her. Taking this to her advantage, Sakura continued as she opened the door wider to reveal her state when she was sure no one was around, "Could you please help me find something in my room?"
The poor boy's eyes bulged out of his sockets when he saw the tantalizing buttons opened to almost the swell of her breast. The boy swallowed harder as he attempted to hide his arousal, "What tis' it?"
Sakura almost screamed in horror when she saw the unmistakable look of lust in the boy's eyes. Making sure she was under control, she smiled, "I can't reach my…. shoe."
The boy arched an eyebrow at her, "Shoe?"
"Please?" begged Sakura as she reached her hand to touch his arm, making the boy look at her and Sakura squirmed inwardly.
"Captain said…"
"Oh! I'm sure you're the kind gentleman that helps a lady, aren't you? The captain would understand that you were only helping me. Besides, it's not as if I'm leaving my chamber, goodness gracious! I wouldn't dare do that! You're only helping me find something inside the room," explained Sakura with as much sweetness as she could apply when her hand suddenly grabbed something and hid behind her back.
The boy started to look a little smug with Sakura's compliments, "Well, since you're not leaving the room and I'm only entering the room to help you find something, I'm sure the captain…" said the boy as his eyes lingered on Sakura's chest, "would understand."
Sakura faked a smile, "Thank you so much! I don't know what I would do without such a gentleman!"
The boy's ears turned a bright red as a goofy smile came to his lips, "Tis' nothing, missy."
Sakura quickly backend inside to let the boy in, clutching the object furiously in her hand, "Come in."
The boy nodded as he apprehensively entered the room, "Where is it?"
Sakura's eyes scanned her room, "Um…inside my wardrobe."
The boy turned to Sakura with a sly grin as he walked towards the wardrobe, "I hope you're not calling me in here for something else."
Sakura paled but quickly recovered with a laugh, "Oh, you sly dog!"
The boy grinned again and opened the wardrobe, sticking his head inside, "Where is it? Are you sure? I don't see anything."
"Look on the top shelf," said Sakura's voice from behind as she quietly locked the door and moved towards the boy who was slightly crouching and was oblivious to her tactics. Sakura's hands started to sweat as her steps brought her closer to her victim. Gulping, Sakura raised the object high above the boy's head and remembered from her father that when a girl was trying to protect herself, always bang something hard against the attacker's head. With that thought, Sakura brought the object down with no mercy.
"I don't s—" the boy's speech was clipped when a large book came into contact with his head creating a loud smack. The boy swayed in his spot for a few seconds before dropping to the ground cold.
Sakura breathed deeply as she crouched down to make sure the boy was alive. Indeed, the boy was breathing normally even though under the circumstances.
"I'm sorry," whispered Sakura as she stood up, "well, at least I know the book was worth for something."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sakura slowly left her chamber as she adjusted her louse white shirt with a heavy black coat and gleaming golden buttons on top, hiding her feminine figure. Sighing as she tugged on hat to conceal her long hair, Sakura smothered her navy blue pants with a grim smile as she tightened her red sash around her waist. I hope that boy is okay. Thought Sakura as she remembered the boy named James and having to hide him inside the wardrobe after she had stripped him down until he was only wearing his undergarments. Sakura blushed heavily as she had never seen a man wearing so little or only in their undergarments.
Now I feel pity for the men, these pants are completely uncomfortable. And I thought wearing corsets were bad. Sakura had the biggest urge to itch herself at the scratching material, but resisted from doing so. Looking from side to side, Sakura quietly shut the door behind her and walked slowly beside the wall, far from too much light. Camouflaged as young sailors passed her by, Sakura continued on her mission through many halls and turns.
With her heart drumming in her ears, Sakura felt more confident with her disguise and distanced herself from the wall with every encouraging stride with dangling heavy old boots with a golden buckle on each foot. All right, I've left the room and raided a poor boy's clothing and so far have not been recognised by anyone. Thought Sakura determinedly. What to do now?
Sakura pulled her hat a little lower when she saw someone briskly walk by. Sighing in relief without being discovered, Sakura continued her walk.
"Hey, ye!"
Sakura froze in her spot when she realized that the person that had just passed her was walking back to her direction.
Sakura slowly turned around to see a young man looking quizzically at her, "I haven' seen ye before."
Sakura would have fainted if she wasn't leaning against the wooden wall, "Um…," Sakura coughed to cover her voice, "I mean, I just don't think ye…seen me before…because I stay in the kitchen," Sakura lowered her voice and winced when she lied with her best sailor accent to the young man.
The young man narrowed his eye, "Oh really?"
Sakura nodded.
"Well, than ye better sharp yer skills in cookin'! Bloody hell, not even dogs eat that bad!" the man barked at Sakura with clenched teeth, "get out of my sight before I do somethin' te ye!"
Sakura quickly nodded and turned on her heel to run to the other direction.
"Where the bloody hell do ye think yer goin'?" yelled the young man again as
heavy footsteps began to approach her.
Sakura gulped, this is not good. Slowly, Sakura turned again and gasped when she was only four feet away from the young man. He would surely notice she was no man! "I…I'm…I'm heading to the direction of the um…weapons."
The young man clearly rolled his eyes at her and sighed loudly, "Ye're really pathetic, ye know? Can't bloody do anything. Don't even know where the weapons are stored…why did they hire ye in the first place?" the young man ran his hands irritably over his hair, "don't even bother to answer that."
Sakura nodded again as her hand clutched her shirt unconsciously.
The young man peered at her strangely, but said nothing, "Come on."
Sakura bobbed her head for the millionth time as she silently followed the bizarre young man. She noticed that he would unconsciously mumble under his breath and his quick strides that made Sakura push herself harder to stay closer to him. Sakura's eyes quickly scanned every area she walked, crouching a little forward and stepping a little harder to resemble more manly. The hallway Sakura walked was lit dimly, and thank God for that or the man would have obviously noticed she was a female by now. Sakura quivered at the thought if he had indeed discovered.
"We're 'ere," grunted the man when he stopped abruptly in front of a heavy door. The man leaned against the doorframe and crossed his muscular arms over his chest as he looked at Sakura with a bored expression, "well? Open the bloody door."
Sakura gulped and reached the shinning doorknob with shaking hands. Turning the handle gradually, Sakura closed her eyes.
"Ye have nice hands for a cook," smirked the man with blue eyes.
Sakura snapped her eyes up as she flung the door open and wondered if he had already discovered her little secret.
The man jumped out of the wall with a loud sigh as his arms went behind his head, "Yer not the kind that talks much, are ye?" Taking a look at Sakura's stance, the man rolled his eyes, "'suppose not."
Sakura placed her hands behind her back as she looked at the young man enter the dark room with gleaming metals staring back at her.
"Come on! We don't have the whole bloody day, ye know," grunted the man annoyed when he noticed the strange boy was still standing by the door.
Sakura quickly entered the room and closed the door, bowing her head in embarrassment with flaming cheeks.
"How old are ye, anyway?" asked the man curiously as he scanned his eyes up and down Sakura's body. Somehow, Sakura couldn't stop herself from blushing, even though she had a feeling he did not know who she really was, "bet yer no more than fourteen. Ye don' have no muscles in that body of yers, and look how small ye are!"
Sakura narrowed her eyes but said nothing. It's better for him to think I'm a young boy than a woman. Sakura sighed as she nodded her head, "Yes—yeah."
The man smirked irritably at her as he walked towards her direction, "By the way, what's yer name?"
Sakura tensed, she hadn't thought about a name yet. Scanning her eyes around the room, she tried to find anything that might help her give an idea. Remembering her favourite writer, Sakura blurted his name out before the man would become too suspicious, "William Spear."
The man scratched his head, "William?"
Sakura nodded, "Yes."
The man laughed, "Well, nice meetin' ye, Will. Ye can call me Eriol."
Sakura grinned at the young man with blue eyes as they hastily shook hands.
Eriol coughed when Sakura seemed with unfocused eyes, "Well, 'ere we are, Will. This is the storage for weapons. Oh, sorry about that, ye know, about the cursing at ye for the food mess. Yer probably a helper to the cooks, aren't ye?"
"Yeah," spoke Sakura meekly.
Eriol nodded his head in comprehension, "All right, I'll show ye round, since ye don't seem to know 'bout nothin' in 'ere. Hey, no offence, mate," smiled Eriol cheekily as he looked over his shoulder as he began to walk.
Sakura grinned at his humor.
"Well," Eriol let a sigh run through his lips, "why are ye here anyway? I mean, yer just a little rascal, aren't ye? Young lad that helps a cook. Are ye…gonna fight?" Asked Eriol with bemused eyes.
Sakura's face paled. Fight? "Uh…"
"Ye don' know how, ne?" asked Eriol with one hand scratching his head, "Ye know, I think tis' better if ye stick with me, ye know? Those nasty lil' boogers are gonna come…and well, if ye with me than I can…ye know, protect ye."
Sakura's eyes widened with her surprise at his words.
Eriol sensed the awkward silence and quickly looked away, "Uh…this doesn't mean anything, 'k? I'm just helping mates in need, got it? And can ye not tell the fellaws 'bout tis' either? Don't want them te think I'm a softy, ye know," said Eriol with a wink at Sakura.
Sakura grinned at his caring nature and suddenly remembered herself of her older brother, "Thanks."
Eriol grinned boyishly at her and crouched down to an old trunk, "'K, we got 'ere some rusty swords that are bad, but we can train with 'em."
Sakura blinked, "Train?"
"Ye don't 'suppose that ye go out there 'n' swing a sword like some daft, do ye?" Laughed Eriol, "We can use these for training since they won' be used."
Sakura blushed at her lack of knowledge, "All right."
Eriol nodded as he tugged his hand inside the trunk, retreating a bronze looking sword that seemed to have been shunned from day lights for centuries, "'Ere ye go."
Sakura walked slowly to where Eriol stood crutched before the trunk. Grabbing the handle firmly, Eriol let go of the sword and not too long the sword dropped from Sakura's hand as the realization of the weight came to.
Eriol placed his hand in front of his face as he tried to surpass a groan, "Unbelievable."
Sakura flushed nervously as she tried to lift the sword again with sweaty hands.
"Have ye ever done any type of fightin'? Asked Eriol with a brow raised and a hand holding his hip.
"No," whispered Sakura with shame.
"This will be a long afternoon," said Eriol as he eyed Sakura trying to hold the sword in the air.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Will! Not like that, ye idiot! I told ye how to do it!"
"But Eriol—"
"Don' Eriol me, ye! Just do as I told ye!"
"This is so ridiculous!" wined Sakura for the first time as she thrust the sword to the ground. Realizing she had said something unladylike, Sakura covered her mouth with her hand in surprise, "sorry."
Eriol grunted while he picked the sword from the ground, "Will, ye got te listen te me. I know ye don' wanna get yourself killed out there, so ye got te listen!"
Sakura nodded as Eriol handed the sword back to her.
"Now," said Eriol with exasperation, "do it again."
Sakura bit her lip as she closed her eyes with her hands clasped around the handle of the sword. Sakura's eyebrows furrowed in concentration as she maintained the sword above the ground with effort. Gripping the handle tighter, Sakura opened her eyes and flew forward, slashing her sword with Eriol's.
"Ye not giving yer best te me!" Shouted Eriol as he easily pushed Sakura away with a light thrust from his sword,
"Think of me as yer enemy! No sympathy, got it?"
Sakura let a pent up cry as she glanced at the blade in front of her, "I can't do this, I'm too weak."
Eriol rolled his eyes, "Ye know as much as I know that yer can do this. Now, Will, having a big heart is good, but not in battle, got me?"
Sakura nodded with a small grin.
"Now," sighed Eriol, "Let's try again."
Sakura nodded again when she was back in position, "All right."
Eriol bobbed his head with the blade in front of his face as he charged forward with a battle cry.
Blocking the hit with some difficulty, Sakura pushed forward and rid Eriol with his sword in hand.
"Much better," nodded Eriol in praise, "but yer legs are too close together, too much like a sissy girl."
Sakura tensed for a second before shooting a death glare to blue haired man, "Don't call me a sissy girl!"
Eriol chuckled at Sakura's stern expression, "Whatever ye say, mate. I think we can take a break now."
Sakura nodded her head and lazily carried her sword with her before flopping down next to Eriol against the wall.
Silence filled the room as Sakura fiddled with the strings of her loosed shirt, not wanting to meet Eriol's powerful eyes and reveal anything. Sakura coughed before speaking, "When is the um…you know….the pirates gonna come, Eriol?"
Eriol sighed exasperatedly with his hands buried in his locks, "I got a pretty good idea when those rascals are gettin' 'ere. I reckon…one hour or so, I should check."
Sakura nodded again, "Do I…fight?"
Eriol turned his head to Sakura and searched her eyes, "Do ye want to?"
Sakura was taken aback by his questions; it could be so many answers. Did she want to fight against pirates? For what? Oh yes, to make them leave the ship alone and continue on her voyage to her soon-to-be-husband? Or is curiosity taking over her to know what they are hiding from her? Or maybe she had just lost her mind within the voyage and decided to do everything against by the book of a lady. But thinking of fighting face to face with merciless men and seeing dead people around her made Sakura shiver despite the warm temperature of the room. Sakura looked at Eriol with a small quiver of her lip, "I…am…scared."
"Ye don' have to, Will. If ye stick to me, ye'll be okay. Maybe an arm missin' or leg, but ye'll be okay," Laughed Eriol at Sakura's face.
Sakura's face paled but smiled weakly at Eriol's sick attempt to lighten her mood.
Silence came back to the room as they listened to what was happening above them. Muffled footsteps rode back and forth with a distant jingle from the metal sole hitting the floor. Cries of orders were heard from every corner and the ceiling vibrated with heavy objects being moved. The room was tense and the air suddenly became heavy with fear and very stuffy. Sakura was controlling very fibber of her being to not stand up and open the tempting window.
Eriol's face contracted in concentration, as he amazingly comprehended something that was being yelled above them. Standing up irritably, Eriol looked down at Sakura, "Sorry, Will. Those bloody bastards are bette' than I expected."
Sakura kept quiet as she noticed Eriol's favourite word once he was angry.
"Stay 'ere," said Eriol in a warning tone, "I'll check what's happen' and than I'll fetch ye," with that, Eriol shut the door loudly and Sakura distinctly heard angry stomps leaving her alone in a room full of deadly weapons.
Time speed slowly with each heart beat, and Sakura grew restless with Eriol's postponement. Seconds soon turned to minutes, and Sakura was almost sure an hour had passed since she had seen her new friend. As more activity increased above her, so did her curiosity. Sakura glanced at the sword in her hand as the reflection stared back at her. They're here. The pirates are here. When reality finally sunk in, Sakura's eyes widened brimming with tears. Sakura shut her eyes hard to keep her emotions at bay.
Look at yourself, Sakura! Acting like a baby and crying won't solve anything. You've got yourself in this mess, and you've got to get yourself out of this mess. Damping her eyes with the back of her hand, Sakura stood up quickly with her sword gripped firmly. Searching around, Sakura quickly grabbed a worn sheathe beside other swords and drew her sword inside it as she tied the belt around her waist. Sakura's eyes lingered around the room with a sad look with her hand at the doorknob. And the only way to do this is helping as much as I can. I'm sorry Eriol. In a heartbeat Sakura was out the door and gone into the chaos of yells and movement.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It was only after ten minutes or so of wondering around that Sakura finally found herself in front of her room. I hope for the best that the boy is still out cold. Thought Sakura nervously if the boy surprised the crew that the young lady had stripped him and was in fact wearing his clothes. Pushing the thought aside, Sakura quickened her steps and turned another corner sharply, almost making her head spin in the countless turns and corners. After another ten minutes or so Sakura's eyes detected some light at the far end of the corridor with her heart drumming in her ear. Walking slower with her exit right in front of her, Sakura slid herself next to the wall and observed from below what was happening.
Sakura breathed deeply as she pressed herself against the wall and waited for the right time to step up onto the deck. Sakura's eyes followed every man that passed by, scared that anyone would find her and her identity. Wiping her forehead as a sweat trailed down, Sakura tucked her hat lower to shadow her face and walked up the steps with heavy steps. Once she felt cool breeze on her smooth skin, Sakura lifted her head higher to clear her view. Men were running everywhere as weapons were being handed around and cannons were being loaded with heavy metal balls.
Sakura soon walked over and wove herself through the crowd and camouflaged herself with the rest of the men preparing for a fight. The ground vibrated under her feet and the pungent smell that cursed her nostrils almost made her gag. Men were drenched in sweat with shirts stuck to their skin and pained frowns on their faces as they proceeded while Sakura passed them. Sakura continued ducking through the men until she was almost near the railings.
Once her hands touched the cool metal bars, Sakura's eyes widened at what she saw. At the horizon a ship was approaching them very quickly with a proud flag hung over its mast. Black material whipped back and force as Sakura noticed with horror the large skull and two swords crossed at the middle on the flag. They are here! Screamed Sakura mentally with the snap of her eyes she backed inside the crowd of people.
Sakura's heart throbbed inside her chest and exploded inside her ears, making her think everyone must hear it. Sakura lost count were she was going, as long it was away from the ship, away from the pirates, away from all the problems that followed her. Sakura closed her eyes shut as she bit her lip to prevent her scream. There was so much inside of her that she wanted to relive, but what good would it do?
Pirates would still attack the ship, and she would still marry a man old enough to be her father. Lost in her thoughts, Sakura collided with another body and almost lost her balance if person didn't hold an almost painful grip on her arm. Sakura focused her attention back to the world of reality and almost chocked on the person standing before her.
"Will!" hissed Eriol with a malicious glint in his eyes, "what in the name of Scott are ye doing 'ere?!"
Sakura gulped, "Ye see…"
"Didn' I tell ye to wait for me?" interjected Eriol stubbornly, "if ye wanted to kill yerself, ye only had te tell me, ye fool!"
Sakura flushed at her rude behaviour, "I…just wanted to help."
Eriol snorted, "I can tell."
Sakura squirmed under his intense gaze fixed on her, "I'm sorry."
Eriol sighed heavily, "Don' apologize, it make ye look weak. Jus' like a girl, ye know? Ye never wan' te give satisfaction to a lad like that, 'ear me? Since yer 'ere and ye most likely won' go back for the life of me…. then I suppose ye can stay 'ere. Jus'…get out 'ere, okay? I'll take ye."
Before Sakura could open her mouth, Eriol tugged on her shirt to follow him and she obeyed with no question when her feet pursued to the command. It was almost impossible to keep a fast pace when she hardly distinguished Eriol from the other ranting men when he was too engrossed with his secret mission than checking if the girl was actually following him. Men! They are all the same! Even in their garments! You can't tell each soul apart! Grumbled Sakura with a scowl when she finally caught sight of Eriol's messy mop of blue hair and quickened her pace with throbbing legs and feet.
"Eriol, you're too fast!" growled Sakura once she was next to Eriol who still maintained an irritable swift pace for Sakura's liking.
"We're almost there," said Eriol as he kept his eyes forward, never giving a glance at the grumbling girl beside him.
Sakura heaved a frustrated sigh and prevented herself from crossing her arms over her chest in annoyance at the young man. The two young souls wove themselves from the screeches and bustle that engulfed them. Finally, after much walking and a soared Sakura, Eriol came to an abrupt halt that almost made Sakura trip over, "'ere."
Sakura looked over Eriol's shoulder and saw barrels of wood next to each other with clothes on the ground, "Eriol?"
"Look 'ere, Will," Said Eriol as he turned around to face Sakura, "I don' want te see ye get hurt…ye better hide behind these berrals."
Sakura narrowed her eyes, "I want to help! Why can't I? Isn' t that why you taught me?"
Eriol raised his eyebrows at Sakura, "Ye honestly think I would let ye fight after I saw yer 'skills'? I'm not that daft! Any right man could see ye've got no expirence in the arts of fightin', lad. I taught ye 'cause ye never know when ye might use those skills. 'Tis is no game, Will. People get hurt, people die. I don' want te see ye gone so soon."
"What about you?" asked Sakura.
Eriol laughed, "Ah, Will, ye don' have te worry 'bout me. I got all the luck a man can get. Never got a scratch in a fight," said Eriol with the puff of his chest.
"Eriol…" trailed Sakura with an uneasy tone.
"Look," said Eriol in a serious tone, "promise me that ye won' try to fight, 'k? If some lad finds ye, just give 'em what I showed ye, got it? This is a men's fight, not a boy's."
Sakura nodded her head, "And you promise me to live through this fight."
Eriol grinned his white teeth at Sakura, "That won' be a problem." Eriol was just about to leave when two arms flung around his waist and crushed him in a hug. Eriol was too stunt to say anything, and when Sakura released him with flaming cheeks, he was still at a lose of words.
"Sorry," whispered Sakura, "you're just my first friend here. I really hope you are well after this."
Eriol's eyes softened, "'Tis all right…just don' go huggin' blokes around, got it? They'll get the wrong message."
Sakura's eyes widened with red cheeks.
"'Till later, Will," Saluted Eriol as he turned around and was gone again among the crowd of men before Sakura could say anything else.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It's probably six in the morning. Reasoned Sakura when the sun was already risen up in the sky, bringing light to a new day. A horrible day. Noted Sakura annoyed. I've been sitting for what seems two hours, and my bottom hurts, so does my legs. These clothes are too stuffy for this burning sun. I can't imagine how that poor boy could wear this without fainting! Sakura groaned with her head between her arms with her legs bend. When are the pirates going to attack? It seems like ages since the captain told me about their pursue. Sighed Sakura exasperatedly.
In the last two hours or so, the commotion increased and Sakura was almost suffocated with the tension in the air. Sakura's little hide out was behind the captain's cabin, where no one came. Sakura had prepared by making the barrels stand next to each other like a little hut. The only tough part was to go over them to get inside where Sakura draped a worn cloth on top of the barrels and over her head, which reminded her of a house. It was not long before the air was hot and the coat that was clung to Sakura's body when in the existence of a male was forgotten beside the drenched girl.
Since a while ago Sakura could feel the presence of another ship, causing the hairs in the back of her neck to stand up. Sakura had a good idea the pirate ship would attack them very soon. In that thought, Sakura prayed for Eriol for the hundredth time.
Eriol. That was a person that was new to Sakura but she felt as if she knew him her whole life. Sakura couldn't quiet understand the bond they now shared, but she knew it was much deeper than a normal friendship. When she looked at Eriol, she instantly saw her brother. Sakura smiled at the thought of her brother. How he would kill me if he knew. Thought Sakura with a giggle. Sakura knew for sure that the feeling she felt for Eriol wasn't the love of a woman for a man, but the love of a sister for a brother. Sakura smiled at the thought. Brother Eriol. The thought was so ridiculous that it actually made sense and Sakura wouldn't want it any other way.
Sakura stopped her thinking when a clear sound of gunshot began. Sakura's heart stopped beating. Are they here? My Lord! What am I to do? What if they find me? Thought Sakura desperately as she poked her eyes at the small crack between each barrel. Sakura quickly grabbed her coat again, despite the choking hot air. A shiver ran down Sakura's spine as she put on her coat again when a battle cry rang to her ear. They're here. Thought Sakura gloomily. The dead would have revived from the graves with the entire racket the men were making. But than again, there are no graves in the sea. Considered Sakura.
Sakura than thought the last time she talked to the captain. Whatever ye do, never let those bastards find ye, got it? Why is it so important for me to hide? Well… thought Sakura at her stupidity. I am a woman, after all, but…is it the only reason? He looked as if he wanted to tell me something else, and he kept insisting for me to hide…could…could I be the source of this attack? At the revelation, Sakura's heart pounded harder against her ribcage and for a second, she heard nothing.
Sakura blinked with her hand raised to her forehead. How could they possibly know? Do they know I'm wealthy? Or rather, thought Sakura sarcastically, that I'm about to marry a wealthy person? Or is it something else…? Sakura's vision blurred and she had a chocking sensation to puke. All those lives….all because of me….
Sakura's heart pounded inside her chest, and the noise almost matched the one of the fight. Sakura shut her eyes and opened them again to consider her idea. I will not let any person die on my account any longer. Rubbish for what the captain said and Eriol, my life is worthless and I have no cause to live. I will do what my heart tells me, like my mother told me so many years ago. Sakura left her hiding before she made a quick prayer for her family to find a place in their hearts to forgive her.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sakura steadily crept beside the wall with anxiety building inside of her with every step she took as the uproar of yell and clashes grew louder. With slightly trembling hands, Sakura guided her way silently. Sakura paused when she saw the wall ended with a turn, and Sakura feared that with the close sounds, she would be seen. Sakura panicked with the thought of being found. Well, you're the bright one that wanted to act all heroic and hand yourself to the pirates. And also make sure Eriol was all right. Sakura scolded at her conscious and thought grimly as her eyes hardened and looked around for any suspicious sounds or movement.
Edging slowly to the curve of the wall, Sakura pressed herself hard and breathed deeply and listened. The commotion had certainly subsided, and there were unfamiliar voices talking. Sakura leaned closer to the edge, and to her delight she found her favourite friends stacked next to each other. The barrels were perfect for Sakura to crouch down and examine the fight.
Quickly and quietly, Sakura whooshed down and panting, she looked between the hole in the barrel to see. Her breath quickened and her heart raced faster. Men were fighting and others were laughing at the humiliated crew of the ship while a few looked around and, as Sakura noticed, went up and down the stairs inside the ship.
Despite her fright for these men, she felt an odd excitement in the pit of her stomach. These were the people she wished she could be. They had the greatest thing she could never possess: freedom. Oh, how she wished she could do as she pleased and forget the world and it's silly manners and customs and just live life to the fullest. Sakura's eyes hardened as her mind got distracted. Stop being so selfish, people are dying because of you. You know what you have to do.
Sakura breathed in deeply before peeking her eye to the corner of the wall to see what was awaiting her. Sakura's eyes widened with the sight before her. Two young men spared bravely with clashing swords as sweat trailed their faces. Their moves were quick and spared no time for the opponent to strike. They were flawless.
Sparks flew with each time their swords greeted each other, ad they grunted with exhausted muscles screaming for them to stop. Their hair whipped back and forth with the rhythm of their beat, and their clothes glued to them as if they were a second layer of skin.
If Sakura had to be honest, she hardly saw any difference from the pirates to the sailors of the ship. Sakura looked at the two souls sparing with frightening excitement. Like the two men, others ducked attacks while others blocked. The yells ringed inside Sakura's ear, and the danger of the pirates crashed powerfully at Sakura all at once. This is a life or death situation.
Sakura noticed with horror a young man, not so far away from her, looked at the sky with unfocused eyes. There was a large gash near his throat with dried blood spattered across his shirt, and Sakura chocked with the realization he was dead. Sakura wanted to scream her pain, but instead she fell back on the ground and placed her hand over her mouth. This is just a nightmare, this is just a mightmare. Sakura chanted inside her head until she could think no more. Silent tears spilled with clenched teeth. I will wake up, and find myself inside me bedroom, at my house with my father and brother. I am not about to be married, and I'm not on a ship that is being attacked by pirates. I'm home, just like it used to be.
Sakura snapped her eyes open with a sore heart. This is no nightmare, this is real. And I'm such a coward for running away from my problem. Why must I be such a bother? This is for the best, I can't stand the thought of more lives being wasted on my cause, it isn't right. I have to do this. Sakura breathed deeply. Please, mother, give me the strength.
An eerie sensation passed through Sakura, and her heart pumped harder with her mind at set. The hairs on the back of her neck straightened, and somehow it was not the cold air blowing on her exposed skin. Sakura shivered and felt her heart clench, something was wrong. Before she could do anything, a burly hand and pungent smell of whisky intoxicated her nostrils as the words were whispered huskily against her ears with her eyes wide, "Hello, darlin'."
.
.
.
.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
HEY!!! I'm really sorry for the awful cliffhanger!! And also for no appearance of our sexy pirate! *drool* I know, I know, I said he would come into this chapter….but…..*cough* does Eriol count? ^^;; I hope you have liked this chapter, it was hard work writing it!! And I promise that the next chapter will no doubt take less than this! I'm hoping next month or so….*crosses fingers* that's why I'm stopping some of my other stories…other wise it's crazy for a lazy girl like me to continue this in a good pace while there are other four stories or so. Well, I think this was long and juicy and you see how Sakura's changing….and answers will come with the next chapter!! I love all the reviews I got, so thanks guys! Really, it helps the ego and creativity^__~ lol! But really, this is my best story, and I'm glad you guys are enjoying!!
Now, I'm doing this for all of my stories, but if you would like for me to send you an e-mail to note an up-date, please tell me so when you review of e-mail me. This counts for all of my stories. I know how you can get excited for a chapter to come, so I know how it feels like^^;; well, sorry for the long author's note, I just had to say a few *cough* things with the long pause of up-dating!
Until the next up-date,
hitomi-chan^-^ ps-If it makes you feel any better, I've started on chapter four!! Hehe, bye!!
22/02/04
