KITG: Okay, thanks to all who reviewed. And thanks moon angel for the little bit in your fic, great chapter BTW.

Yami/Yugi: THANK YOU!

KITG: Right, I now have to get my brain out of vampire mode, and into Pirate mode (gets hit my millennium ring) OW! WHAT WAS THAT FOR BAKURA YOU BAKA!

Bakura: well I thought a blow to the head would make you go into pirate mode, hehehehe

KITG: BAKURA YOU ARE SO GOING TO GET IT IN THIS CHAPTER!

Bakura: eep you wouldn't dare (glare)

KITG: try me (eviler glare)

Chapter 2 New family, new trust

The clouds parted, revealing the bright sun. It reflected off the calm waters of the sea, almost blinding in it's intensity. It rippled across the blue sea in a rolling trance. The sea parted to let a lord of the waves, an enforcer of law, pass. This Ship, a man-o war class vessel graced the sea with its brute power. The three masts, once proud trees, graced the skyline at her passing. This ship was far from her birthplace, the waters here warmer that those around the cost of her homeland. The hull, rich dark oak, interspersed by blue paint, and gold leaf along the railings of her deck. The ship was one of rich elegance; this hid the strength she held. Her wrath a 100 cannons strong. This was a pirate killer, and the proud ship of the British navy. Upon her bow her name blazed richly in gold, the HMS Relinquished. (A/N yes, I know this is like burning sea, I had the name relinquished in my mind for the ship before I wrote it, after reading burning sea I tried to think of another, all I could come up with is HMS dopple ganger. That didn't sound right for a British war ship. So I went back to relinquished) also gracing the bow was a carving of a woman, he arms outstretched as if to embrace a lover. Around her neck a gold necklace, a name carved into the heart shaped pendant, Celia.

The crew went about the ship with practiced efficiency, their Blue uniform clear against the dark deck and pristine skyline. Looking over the crew, standing tall by the wheel was her Captain. His uniform blue, gold buttons shining in the noon sun, upon his shoulders, the jutting out pads, gold thread and tassel about them, showing his rank of office. Platinum hair blew in the breeze, it was tied back somewhat by a black ribbon, this small ponytail fluttered in the strong east wind. The sound of the canvas sails rustling as the wind kissed their white surface, the British flag adding its voice to the song. The chestnut eyes regarded the horizon for any sign of his prey. He looked to one side as one of his officers came forth, saluting to attention as he did so.
"Captain Pegasus, the men have found some debris over the side."
"Oh?" he asked in lazy nonchalant
"Yes sir seems part of a cargo ship, the boys pulled up her name. It's "the ties of friendship" sir" the man replied, his eyes showing, what he thought a grave loss. But Pegasus could care less. The captain of the "ties of friendship" had been a pain in the ass. He would have killed him himself soon enough. Pegasus ignored the look and turned with a laugh.
"Good, it seems we are not far behind our prey. Make full sail first lieutenant, the Hunt continues"
"Aye aye captain"
The first lieutenant turned, hair tied back like that of his captain. His was dark grey, though. He was a well-sailed seaman, and had been with the captain many years. Croquet turned to his crew, and began to give the order, as captain Pegasus went back to scanning the Horizon, with a demonic smirk gracing his lips.

Yugi sat Before Mokuba like a fish out of water, fear radiating of the small form. Mokuba sighed; he'd been expecting this. He was about to reply when the Captain walked back in. he seemed to be going to the charts on his oak table, but turned when he saw his look alike awake.
"So, you have woken up little one" the voice laced with kingly grace. He stopped his approach when he saw the boy cower. "Easy little one, I will not harm you."
"Please, stay away." They Boy was in full panic, looking around for an escape. Mokuba inched forward.
"It's ok Yugi. The Captain is ok, he won't hurt you if he says he won't" Mokuba's voice calm, sincere. The boy seemed to quieten. And Atemu came closer, sitting on the edge of the bed. The boy shrank back against the wooden wall.
"This is the Dark magician, so you must be the Pirate King" the boy said in some defiance trying to hide the fear. But not doing a very good job of it as his voice wavered.
"Some call me that Yes. But not all they say about me is true. I do not kill women and children as they say. So you need not fear me." Atemu gave him a smile, the serine face calming the young one more.
"See told ya Yugi" Mokuba smiled also. But they could see Yugi did not trust them completely. If Mokuba had not been there. Atemu was sure the boy would have bolted out of the cabin and jumped over the side.
"So little one, what happened?" Atemu asked kindly. But his heart broke when he saw the crystalline tears begin to flow.
"We got caught in the storm, this ship couldn't take it…..m….my father wouldn't leave it…….I couldn't find him…….Bardwell threw us overboard…..I couldn't get to him" Yugi broke down into sobs. Mokuba looked to Atemu the crawled beside the crying form hugging him. Atemu's heart wrenched at seeing the tears flow from such innocent eyes.
"It's okay Yugi. I'll look after you, and so will the Captain, and the others. Right captain?" Atemu just nodded his head.
"What was the name of your ship little one, perhaps we can take you home?"
"It…it was the "ties of friendship.." but the young one could not continue, the grief of loss still to fresh in his mind. Mokuba saw Atemu jerk at the name. And a look of almost sadness crossed his face.
"What is it captain?" the raven-haired boy asked, still holding onto the crying Yugi.
"I am sorry little one, you can't go home can you?" Yugi shook his head in response.
"What!" Mokuba hated being left out.
"Before you actually joined us on ship Mokuba, We attacked a cargo ship. The captain was a good fighter, and fought off our attack"
"What! A ship escaped the dark Magician?" Mokuba looked shocked.
"Yes Mokuba, the captain of the ship earned my respect that day, and I think I earned his. I gave him my word that I would leave his vessel alone from that day forward. He told me that he had to return home, and that nothing, no pirate or navy ship would stand in his way. For his wife was sick, leaving his son alone" Yugi looked up to the captain of the dark magician. Looking for any sign of a lie. But found none in the crimson pools. It had been true. His father had never spoken really badly of the stories of the Pirate King, and even seemed to defend him against some of the stories. All the stories of death, and of him killing women and children had come from the children of navy sailors.
" I heard later that his wife had died, are you alone little one?"
"Yes, all three of us are. That's why Father took us with him." the boy sniffled.

There was a moan as his friends started to wake up, Yugi looked down, and smiled as Ryou opened his eyes.
"Y..Yugi?" the small white haired one asked.
"Yes Ryou, you ok?"
"Yeah, but thirsty" his voice croaked past his dry throat. Mokuba passed Ryou some water, which he drank, as they looked to Marik. The blonde one sat up quickly looking around, seeing Yugi and Ryou he relaxed somewhat, but he placed himself between his two friends and the strange person sitting on the bed. He took a drank of the water that was offered, Mokuba introduced himself to the two boys, and then he introduced Atemu as the captain
"What ship is this?" Marik asked
"The dark Magician" Yugi muttered.
"WHAT!" Marik jumped placing himself more in the way, looking daggers at Atemu. "Leave my friends alone Pirate scum!" he growled, his eyes flashing with defiance and protection of his friends. Yugi watched as Atemu's blood red eyes narrowed dangerously. And Mokuba seemed to hide behind Yugi.
"Watch what you say boy, my hospitality only goes so far" the voice in a low tone, so far from the comforting one before.
"I'm not afraid of you" Marik was about to challenge the captain of the dark magician, when he felt someone grab his arm, he looked down to see Yugi's tear filled eyes.
"Marik don't. He's been nice, he saved us after all, please don't I don't want you to get hurt. You know the stories. You wouldn't beat him anyway" the last bit was added with a half smile.
"Hey! I resent that" Marik replied, but backed down. Atemu smiled, this boy Yugi really was an angel, caring about his friends so.
"Forgive him please Captain Yami. He was just trying to protect us" Yugi asked Atemu; He smiled at the name the navy had given him. Not many knew his knew his real name, so they had dubbed him Yami, or darkness. It had stuck; he knew he was considered a demon. Captain Yami and the black ship of the sea. "The dark magician." It worked in Atemu's favour most of the time. Most ships surrendered, letting them take what they want. If they did, Atemu left the ship intact. But he knew the Navy punished those one's severely.
"It's ok little one, I forgive him, I would do the same for my friends. Now you should get something to eat, and then some sleep. After that, you are welcome to explore my ship. We will be reaching your new home tomorrow." With that Atemu rose and walked to the Cabin door. He turned back as he opened it, the sound of the men outside, and the sea blowing in with the breeze, tugging his black jacket, making it blow out behind him.
"I'll send Jou in with some food."
"Is that wise Captain, it might not make it this far," Mokuba added with a sneaky smile. Atemu laughed, Jou stomach was well known.
"It will, or he'll know what he will get from me if it doesn't" with a laugh Atemu closed the door.

"What do you mean not get this far?" Ryou asked. Mokuba laughed again.
"Jou has a endless pit of a stomach, always eating." The three boys made a face of "oh" Yugi stopped crying for now, he had promised his Father that he would be strong, and he needed to be for his friends also. Soon the door opened, letting in a blonde haired man. He wore a dark blue shirt, and black trousers, that seemed to be the colour scheme for the crew; Mokuba had the same kind of style. Around the blondes neck was a red bandanna.. In his hands was a platter of food, and some wine in a skin flask, which hung over his right shoulder. He placed the platter in front of the hungry boys, a big smile on his face
"Thanks Jou" Mokuba said smiling to his friend.
"No problem Mokuba, Who ya friends?"
"The one who looks like Bakura is Ryou, the one like Malik is called Marik, and the one that looks like the captain is call Yugi, guys, this is Jou" Mokuba introduced them all.
"Hi Ryou, Marik and hi to you too Yug" he shook each their hands, his excitement making the hand shaking fierce, they couldn't help but smile at him, his face plastid in a goofy grin.
"Mokuba, the captain says these three can sleep in here tonight, but tomorrow were going to find them another place to bunk" Mokuba nodded.
"Ok Jou. Thanks" Jou watched as the three boys ate the fish and bread he had brought. Mouth drooling.
"You hungry Jou?" Yugi asked, handing some of his bread to Jou, for some reason he felt he could trust these two, and he had a feeling to trust the captain, but he was still weary of him, those blood red eyes hid so much.
"Thanks Yug" Jou replied, stuffing the bread in his mouth.
"Bad move Yugi" Mokuba said with mock seriousness.
"Why?"
"You never get rid of him now" Mokuba howled with laughter at the look on Jou's face.
"Heyph" he slurred round his mouth full of bread and began chasing Mokuba round the cabin, the three rescued boys laughed at the two, their fear of being on a pirate ship lost in the moment. The boys talked, asking about the ship, and the crew. They were told they would meet the rest tomorrow. Soon Ryou fell asleep, Jou left to go to his duty, and then reluctantly Marik joined Ryou in sleep. Yugi could not rest. The loss, being alone in the night, knowing there was no Father to chase away the nightmares weighed heavily on him.
"Mokuba. If were sleeping here. Where Captain Yami sleeping?" Yugi asked. Mokuba was about to leave; he slept in with Seto his brother. He told Yugi he would meet Seto tomorrow.
"He probably won't sleep tonight, he been staying on deck a lot at night thinking. None of us can get him to tell us why. He always stares off into the night. Well I'm off before Seto comes looking for me, good night Yugi"
"Good night Mokuba…and thanks" Mokuba smiled in response and left, leaving Yugi alone. He sat thinking for a while, the sound of the ship lulling to most. The natural groan and creek sounded so loud to him now. His mind fully active, his heart heavy. With a sigh he rose, careful not to wake his friends he walked to the door and out onto the deck..

Atemu stood on the aft deck, he hand lazily on the wheel as he guided his ship through the night. He gazed over the bow to the hidden horizon, his thoughts lost to the lap of the waves. He had the feeling of being stalked. He knew the navy was after him. He sighed, it was probably nothing. He lost himself in the feel of the open sea, the moon bright in the sky as if watching the sea below, the starts his guide. He felt the move of the ship, it's graceful dance over the waves, and it's speed unrivalled by any. He had the dark magician for a long time. Designed it himself long ago. This ship was also along way from the sand lands that birthed it. Upon the bow of this ship was not a female figurehead but a male. A Magician. His staff becoming the point of the bow facing over the water. His robes flowing it seemed in an unknown breeze. He was very proud of his ship.
He turned sharply when a creak met his ears, there before him was the little one Yugi.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you" he said, he voice to quiet, sounding so alone.
"It's ok little one. Couldn't you sleep?" the boy shook his head in conformation. "Neither can I. Come over here. Why don't you take the wheel?" the boy's eyes lit up. He knew stories were also told of his ship, and he knew many wanted to sail her.
"Can I?"
"Yes you may" the boy came forward, and with reverence took hold of the black wood wheel, twice his size. He stood to one side, next to Yami so he could see before him.
"You see that star, just before the point of the bow" The boy nodded. "Keep that on the bow point. Ok?"
"Ok"
They stayed in a comfortable silence for a while, then Atemu heard a small sob coming from the boy, he looked down seeing the sparkled of tears in the moonlight. His breath caught at the beauty he now saw in the boy before him. The innocence. The soft white skin, like an angel. He got the deep feeling that he wanted to protect this boy, and make him.
(Wait, what am I thinking?) He gasped. (How could I? But he is sweet.. gah. I am a ruthless pirate.) Yeah keep telling yourself that his mind replied. His resolve weakened at the continuing tears. He kneeled down beside Yugi.
"shhh little one. It's ok." He wiped away the tears.
"I…I'm all alone"
"No your not. If you want, you can stay with me. Be part of my crew. Make this your home, your family" Atemu smiled at him. Yugi turned to him.
"Really?"
"Yes little one. I would like you to stay, and I owe your father this also, as a mark of respect."
"I wish I knew more about my Father. But he was always at sea. Getting money for me and Mother."
"Well I only knew him a brief time. But know your father was a strong fighter. And one of the best Sailors I have met. He showed no fear before my attack, and beat us back using skill and cunning. I would have been proud to have him as one of my crew. And he would have been one of my trusted."
"Thank you captain Yami. I think my father respected you as well. He would defend you against some of the stories of you killing women and children, saying they all rubbish and made up by the navy. I would like to stay. Captain Yami"
"Good. And to show you have my trust…. Call me Atemu when we are with friends. Or on our own. But do not tell anyone else, not even your friend. They have not gained my trust as of yet. You can call me by my true name in front of Jou, Mokuba, Seto, Malik and Bakura. But no others. I hope my trust is well placed little one."
"I swear I won't tell Atemu. Thank you. For being a friend"
"Your welcome little one" (only a friend? Gah stop thinking that)
The two stood in silent trust, Yugi smiling as he sailed the dark magician, to the star, and his new beginning.

KITG: Yay chapter done (looks at clock) GAH! 5:10 am. Oh Ra.

Yugi: (comes in rubbing sleepy eyes) KITG, what you doing up.

KITG: sorry Yugi. I Kinda got into it. (Looks to page number) GAH! 6 pages.00

Bakura: hahah you didn't dare do anything.

KITG: I'm biding my time.

Bakura.: oh Ra.