With Neji & Moka:

An Hour or So Later:

Once Moka and Neji were in a different room furthest from the others, Moka stood and paced back and forth, pissed off.

Neji just stood and watched her—deciding to let her be and give her space; he'd talk to and comfort her when she calmed down.

Moka paced for over an hours before she sat down and punched the ground—after setting her food down.

"Don't do that; you'll hurt your hand." Neji stated, sitting next to Moka.

"What do you care? Shouldn't be back there with your friends?" Moka asked, looking at Neji as they opened their sandwiches.

"They're not my friends—if you couldn't tell. And I care quite a bit. Out of all four of you, I think you're the hottest." Neji honestly answered.

"They're your shipmates, aren't they? You all have the same goal, don't you? That's nice of you. But don't you know? I'm just a slut." Moka replied, looking at Neji.

"Unfortunately… Eh… And I don't think you're a slut. I'm assuming you've had sex a few times." Neji answered with a smile.

"More than a few times." Moka answered.

"Do you have any STDs?" Neji asked, looking at Moka.

"No. Because of my activities, the owner of the girl's home makes me get tested once a month—despite me telling them the men I slept with always used a condom. I'm not stupid—and I don't need to end up with an STD or pregnant." Moka answered, slightly annoyed. Not at Neji, but the owner of the girls' home, and especially Ichigo, Usagi, and Skya.

"Well, there you go. Just because you have sex with a few different people, doesn't make you a slut; it just means your experienced. Ain't nothing wrong with that. Maybe you just haven't been with the right guy. I know for damn sure that I haven't been with the girl. You know what they say, right? You have to go through to find the right one for you. Screw anyone who says otherwise—or who says you're a slut." Neji told Moka with a charming smile, making her smile.

"There we go; that's better. You have an absolutely lovely smile." Neji told Moka.

"Thank you." Moka softly thanked, blushing a little.

"You're very welcome, Beautiful. Now—do you think this is far enough back?" Neji asked, looking at Moka.

"For what?" Moka asked, slightly confused. Although, she quickly figured it out when Neji pushed her onto her back and pressed himself against her.

"You're wet and leaking; I could see it running down your legs earlier. I can see it now as well." Neji answered before kissing Moka's neck while fondling her breasts through her dress, making her moan.

"You don't waste any time, do you?" Moka asked, moaning.

"Not really, no. What about you? You seem to really be into this—even though we just met." Neji stated, stripping her of her dress.

"What can I say? I love sex." Moka cheekily replied.

"And what about being a pirate?" Neji asked, quickly stripping out of his clothing.

"I'd love to be a pirate—just like Skya's father." Moka answered before jumping a little when she felt his hand pull her bra off. She then felt his other hand slide into her panties and felt him start to rub her not-so-secret treasure.

"What if I told you there was a better pirate out there? What would you say then? Would you join that pirate? No matter the circumstances?" Neji asked, shoving a finger into her.

"If it meant being a pirate, then yes. Oh, my god! Please there! Right there! Oh, my god! I'm going to cum!" Moka screamed as the force of just one of Neji's fingers made her climax all over his hand.

"We'll finish this conversation later, yes?" Neji asked, pushing his throbbing cock against her panties.

"Yes…" Moka moaned.

"Do you want me to fuck you?" Neji asked, pressing harder against her.

"Yes, please. Please!" Moka cried as Neji pulled down her panties while sticking his fingers in again. At the same time, he started sucking on her left breast.

"Oh, oh!" Moka moaned.

"Grab me. Grab my giant cock with your hands!" Neji demanded, pulling away a little.

Moka did as she was told and started rubbing his cock up and down.

Pretty soon, the two of them were both about to reach a climax, and they both knew it.

"OH, MY GOD! NEJI!" "Good Lord, woman!" The two of them yelled, climaxing in each other's hands.

"Get down there and suck." Neji demanded, and once again, Moka obeyed.

Moka got on her knees and started deep-throating Neji, shocking him a little. He really wasn't expecting her to deepthroat him; none of the other girls he fucked could deepthroat him.

"So good. You're such a naughty little girl, aren't you?" Neji asked with a huge smile just before pushing her head on him even more.

Unlike the other girls, because Moka was giving him a blowjob, Neji came after only a little more than two minutes. Once he came, he held her head still and made her swallow everything.

"K… Now, it's your turn. Be a good girl, lie down, and you'll be greatly rewarded." Neji commanded.

Again, Moka complied—now, completely turned on.

After she was lying how he wanted her, Neji pulled and held Moka's legs apart just before he started eating her pussy, licking at her core like a hungry dog.

"Oh, oh, oh! Neji!" Moka screamed as he shoved his tongue deep within her.

He kept on licking until her sweet juices erupted from her and into his mouth while she screamed in pure pleasure.

"K. Are you ready for the real thing?" Neji asked, leaning over her, his long, hard, throbbing cock rubbing against her soaking, wet pussy.

"Yes! Yes! God, yes!" Moka cried just before he plunged into her.

Moka couldn't help but moan and scream in pleasure as Neji pumped himself into her hard and fast, going deeper and deeper with each thrust.

Her screams echoed throughout the entire cave; they were both pretty sure that the others could hear them. Even So, neither of them gave to shits or fucks.

She was sick of being treated like a child and told what to do—especially by Ichigo and Usagi—both of whom could be just as childish.

Moka was close to reaching her first climax when Neji bent down and started giving her hickeys all over her neck and chest.

Finally, with her first climax, Moka loudly moaned, grabbing hold of Neji's shoulders.

Even though she hit her climax, Neji still wasn't done. Her climax only made him start fucking her faster and harder, lifting her legs over his shoulders.

After a few minutes of fondling her breasts, Neji grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head, making sure he had complete control. He wasn't one to let a woman control him during sex; he needed to have all control—except for one part.

"Where can I cum?" Neji asked, nearing his climax.

"Anywhere except inside of me." Moka moaned.

"Are you close?" Neji asked with a smirk.

"Yes…" Moka moaned, nearing her second climax.

"Good girl. Go ahead and cum for me." Neji praised before slamming into her two more times, making her cum.

Another two thrusts, and Neji pulled out and came all over her chest.

When she came the second time, Moka screamed in absolute pleasure instead of moaning, seeing lights flash before her eyes. This was the best sex she had ever had in her entire life.

After a few minutes, they slowly came down from their high and just laid there staring at each other, panting.

"That was the best sex I've had in a long time. You have the best pussy I've ever fucked in my entire eight years of fucking women.

"Thank you. Wait. What did you mean by "Unfortunately," "Eh" when I asked you about being shipmates and having the same goal? Is that what you wanted to talk about" Moka asked, looking at Neji.

"Yes, actually; it's precisely what I wanted to discuss with you. Clearly, Ryou, Mamoru, Masaya, and I don't get alone; we're just shipmates, trying to "get away" from a horrible captain and crew. I asked you earlier if you knew there was a better captain than Akira Hoshihanako out there. What would you say?" Neji asked, looking directly into Moka's eyes.

"I'd say you're crazy. The only two pirates I ever heard of were Akira and Cassius something or other. Oh, and someone named Deep Blue." Moka answered.

"Precisely. Cassius is Akira's younger half-brother turned bitter rival; they have the same dad, but different moms. And Deep Blue was Akira's ex-friend turned bitter rival. Cassius and Deep Blue joined up and are co-captains of one ship. Now, before you freak out; listen to me. Akira was one man who cared more for his daughter and wife than the wide open sea/ocean. Yes, he loved being on the water on his ship, but he was planning on throwing all that away from some woman and child. You don't want to join someone like that. If you want to be a real pirate, you want to join Cassius and Deep Blue. People say they're evil because they not only steal; they may murder and occasionally rape. However, those bitches only cried rape because they didn't want their boyfriends/fiancés/husbands, or whoever to find out. And they only murder people who try to fight or disobey them—like Ryou, Mamoru, and Masaya. Those three are always disobeying Cassius and Deep Blue and trying to escape. Cassius and Deep Blue are very generous to those who are loyal to them. It's really a shame because those three had been doing so good these past six or seven months. But I overheard them saying how they were going to try running again; I told Cassius and Deep Blue—neither of whom believed me. So they sent us out on a supply run to test our loyalty. The choice is up to you, but I think you should join us. I mean, what have you got to lose in staying here—with those girls?" Neji explained to Moka.

Moka was silent for a few minutes, but she finally looked into Neji's eyes.

"Who would vouch for me?" Moka asked, looking at Neji.

"I would—assuming you'll my one and only bride. No, we don't have to get married right away; we can wait. You would just belong to me and me alone." Neji explained.

"Sounds like an amazing plan. I'm in. Because you're right; there's nothing here for me. When do we leave? And how are we going to get to the ship if your boat was shipwrecked? And do you think they'll even accept me?" Moka excitedly agreed and then asked.

"A new crewmember—especially someone as pretty as you? I'm sure they'll let you in. You may have to have sex with one or both of them, but then you'll belong to me. As long as you pledge loyalty and are loyal, you should be fine. We can't hear them, but Cassius, Deep Blue, and the rest of the crew can hear us and our conversations; they've been closely following us—but stayed far enough back so that Ryou, Mamoru, and Masaya wouldn't suspect anything. By now, Cassius and Deep Blue know of their betrayal and most likely of you—and the other girls. Actually, Cassius will most likely be thrilled to see Skya; he's been looking for her for years. Akira refused to tell him where she was; it's one of the reasons he killed him. Cassius views Skya as a plaything to do with as he pleases. The last time he had her, he anally fucked her until she passed out. He was going to fuck her pussy and take her virginity, but Akira had to come in and ruin everything. Honestly, I don't know what he sees in her—but she's who he wants. We'll take her to him. We'll take the other two as well and they can do whatever they want with them. Cassius and Deep Blue will show up with their first mates and some others; they'll know where to go because I led them right to the cave using a small piece of black string, leading straight here. Even if I hadn't left that string, it shouldn't be too hard to find a cave not flat on the ground. You have to climb some rocks to get onto a ledge. The string is stuck in the cave's entrance under the boulder; they'll find it once the storm ends. And once the storm ends, Cassius, Diamond, Deep Blue, Pie, and their men will be waiting for us there. Oh, I can't wait to see the looks on their stupid faces when they find out that I'm still working with Cassius and Deep Blue and that I ratted them out." Neji gleefully told Moka everything; she was absolutely enthralled.

"Will they kill the girls?" Moka asked, interested.

"I know for sure that Skya will be unharmed; Cassius desperately wants her. As for the blonde and the redhead—I'm not sure. Possibly, they could be asked to join the crew and be sworn to take our oath. If not, they may be raped a few times and then most likely they would wear out their usefulness and be killed. Would you care either way?" Neji answered and then asked.

"Fuck no! Ichigo and Usagi need to be brought down a peg. And Skya—that entitled little bitch… I can't wait to see her suffer. No. Well, yes; they all need to be brought down a peg. However, I don't want them killed right away. No, I'd rather see them suffer for years before slowly and painfully dying." Moka answered with nothing but malice in her voice.

"Damn, girl. I knew there was a reason I loved you. Let's get some sleep. If the storm doesn't stop, tomorrow's going to be a long-ass day. And even if it does stop, we still have a long day ahead of us." Neji stated, awestruck before instructing.

"Right. Goodnight, future husband." Moka told Neji, smiling as she laid on his shoulder.

"Goodnight, future wife." Neji happily told Moka, holding her.

The two of them fell asleep, not realizing someone was listening to them almost the entire time.

With Mamoru & Usagi:

Fifteen Minutes Later:

"What are you and Ichigo planning for Ryou and Skya?" Mamoru asked after some time, watching Usagi.

"What do you mean?" Usagi innocently asked, looking at Mamoru.

"Don't play innocent. I know you and Ichigo have something planned. Why else would she drag Masaya away while you dragged me away? Aside from the fact that Ichigo has a thing for Masaya that reads more than a crush. Skya likes Ryou, doesn't she?" Mamoru told Usagi before asking her.

"Hahaha…" Usagi nervously giggled.

"Would it help to know that Ryou likes Skya as well? Or that Masaya likes Ichigo? Or—that I like you?" Mamoru asked, making Usagi's head spin and her face turn red.

"Well—I uhh… I have to check on Skya and Ryou." Usagi stammered on her words before walking to the opening of that room and peeked out to see how Skya and Ryou were doing.

"Not how you want it to be going?" Mamoru questioned, leaning against a wall with his arms across his chest, watching Usagi sulk back in with a pouty face.

"OH, MY GOD! NEJI!" "Good Lord, woman!"

"They're just sitting there. Mmmm…" Usagi answered and then moaned in annoyance when they heard Moka and Neji.

"Give them time; I'm sure one of them will break and tell the other how they feel. Now, Usagi Tsukino—tell me about you." Mamoru told Usagi before walking over to her.

"You're probably right. Me?" Usagi replied and then asked, stunned.

"Yeah, you. You're sixteen, lost your parents eleven years ago, and have been in an orphanage since then. Do you have a boyfriend—or ever had one?" Mamoru asked, watching Usagi.

"I'm a virgin if that's what you're asking." Usagi told him, slightly offended.

"No, that's not what I'm asking you. I'm simply asking if you have or had a boyfriend before." Mamoru replied, offended that she'd think that's something he would ever imply.

"Sorry. Ichigo, Skya, and I get asked if we were still virgins or not. The other big one was if we were lesbians and in a three-way relationship. I'm not a lesbian, but I have kissed a girl before. No, I won't say who. You don't know her anyway. I have been in a relationship with two different guys before: one when I was fourteen for a year or so, and the other a few months ago for only two months. He cheated on me with Moka. He tried saying it was a onetime thing, but I knew better. The first one became possessive and wouldn't let me see or talk to Ichigo or Skya, so I broke it off with him. Yes, I've kissed both of them. What about you? How long have you been a pirate? Have you ever had a girlfriend or sex?" Usagi answered and then asked, staring at Mamoru.

"I've been a pirate for the last six years—since I was sixteen. I started in a good crew and was in it for four years before they left me in some town because I overslept or something. Two weeks after I realized I was abandoned; I was taken by the current crew and I've been there for two years. Masaya and Ryou have been there longer than I have. As for girlfriend and Sex… I had one serious girlfriend before I became a pirate; we started dating when I was fourteen and she was thirteen. She broke up with me because she found someone else. She was murdered by that same guy three weeks later. That's when I decided to become a pirate—not to forget about her, but to start anew. Yes, we used to kiss. Yes, we had sex twice. Yes, since I've been a pirate, I've had sex a few times. I always made sure that the girl was STD free and always wore a condom. I always made sure to get tested for any STDs and am STD negative. Your turn. I don't need to know Ichigo's reasoning, but why are you so guarded? What made you decide to take self-defense and karate?" Mamoru answered Usagi's question only to ask her in return.

Usagi stared at Mamoru for a few minutes before going back to checking on Ryou and Skya.

When she came back, Usagi had a light blush but a big smile.

"Going well?" Mamoru asked, looking at Usagi.

"Very. I think he's going to kiss her." Usagi dreamily answered.

"Her first kiss?" Mamoru asked, watching Usagi's face.

"I do believe so." Usagi answered.

"That's great for them. Hey, listen; I'm sorry if I upset you when I asked you about why you started taking self-defense and karate. You do not need to answer if you don't wish to." Mamoru apologized, looking at Usagi.

"No, it's fine. I just haven't had to think of it for years now. Well, I shouldn't say that. I've thought about why since then, but I haven't had to talk about it for years. When I was eight, I was kidnapped and tortured—along with Ichigo and Skya who were seven. It was awful. Akira started teaching us what he could while he was around—every time he came around. He's actually the one who signed us up for self-defense and karate; our teachers were some of his land friends." Usagi explained, sighing here and there.

"I'm sorry. Do you know who took you?" Mamoru asked, looking at Usagi.

"It's fine; it's in the past. No, we don't. Well—Ichigo and I don't; Skya may know—or knew. We don't normally bring it; I don't even know if she remembers those three days or not. She's had a lot of other shit happen to her since then; it may too much for her to remember—or handle. It's not like we don't talk about everything; Akira made us promise we'd talk to each other about everything. Until sometime after the last time we saw Akira, us girls would sit down once a month and talk about everything we could remember." Usagi explained.

"What do you mean Skya may have known who took you?" Mamoru asked.

"Skya was always his number one; he didn't care for anyone like he cared for her—who was alive. The only other person he ever cared about like he cared about Skya was her mother. However, even though we weren't his biologically, he treated Ichigo and me like his own daughters. He'd bring us presents and spend the day with us on our birthdays and Christmases. Even though, Thanksgiving and Christmas are meant for family, he always invited us and kept us the few days to a week he kept Skya. But—that day—when Akira found and saved us; his face read something of utter betrayal. So clearly, he knew the people. It doesn't mean she knew them, but Skya knew almost everyone her dad knew. It got to a point where we had to tell Skya to not worry about it and stop thinking about them. But that's all I can tell you about Skya's part. However, there's not a whole lot to tell. We just knew we didn't want it to happen again, so we started leaning how to defend ourselves and each other. And before you say anything, if she's having a good day, Skya can defend herself." Usagi answered and then started becoming defensive.

"I can believe it—knowing who her father was from stories I've heard; I have no doubt she can take care of herself. But how often does she have a good day? I'm not trying to be rude, mean, or anything like that. It's a general concern; she seems like a sweet girl. Stop watching them every few minutes. I'm sure she's just fine; she's with Ryou. She's with someone she trusts and likes. He's not going to hurt her—not with how I know he feels about her." Mamoru stated and then instructed, watching Usagi try to peek around the corner again.

Usagi turned back around and walked over to Mamoru with a look he wasn't sure of.

"Yes?" Mamoru asked, looking at her.

"Earlier, you asked if it would help if I knew Ryou liked Skya, Masaya liked Ichigo, and you liked me. What did you mean by that?" Usagi asked, looking directly into Mamoru's eyes.

"I meant that like how Skya likes Ryou; he likes her back just the same. The same can be said about Masaya and Ichigo; they like each other the same way. And I like you in the same way I hope you like me." Mamoru calmly answered, watching as Usagi turn bright red.

"And how is that?" Usagi asked, looking at Mamoru.

"Like I want to have a life with you. Like I want to have a family with you—when we're ready. Like I want to take, hold, and kiss you right now. What of you?" Mamoru answered and then asked, walking up to her.

"I-I'd like that too. But I can't leave Ichigo or Skya; they're my sisters." Usagi replied.

"I guess I'll have to talk to Ryou and Masaya then, won't I? I'm sure neither of them would be willing to separate you girls. Now, shhh…" Mamoru told Usagi before hushing her; he then leaned in to kiss her.

Once she felt his lips on hers, Usagi wrapped her arms around Mamoru's shoulders and returned his kisses.

When they pulled away, Usagi had her eyes closed, and Mamoru couldn't help but smile at how beautiful she thought she was.

"How was that?" Mamoru asked when Usagi opened her eyes.

"That was the best kiss I've ever experienced—by a guy." Usagi breathlessly answered, teasing Mamoru a little.

"Oh, really now?" Mamoru asked, picking up on her cheekiness.

"Yep. What are you going to do about it?" Usagi asked, challenging Mamoru; he just smiled before answering her.

"What am I going to do about it, huh? I'll show you what I'm going to do about it." Mamoru replied before, without warning, carefully grabbed Usagi by her waist and picked her up; he pinned her against one of the walls.

Usagi wrapped her arms around Mamoru's shoulders and her legs around his waist out of unconscious instinct.

"Is that all you've got?" Usagi asked, holding onto Mamoru like her life depended on it.

"Oh, Little Girl; you have no idea what I've got in store for you." Mamoru replied before crashing his lips into hers.

'So this his how he wants to play. Ok. I'll play his game.' Usagi thought to herself before pushing up against Mamoru and started returning his kisses with just as much force and as much passion. She even started licking his lips, asking for entrance before he had a chance.

Once Mamoru opened his mouth a little, Usagi's tongue went in to explore his mouth.

'She's good. I think she's a keeper for sure.' Mamoru thought to himself, sticking his tongue into her mouth to explore.

They pulled away for a minute or two to catch their breaths; they just stared into each other's eyes before going back to making out.

It didn't take long before they were wrestling tongues. Using his body to keep Usagi pinned to the wall, Mamoru's hands traveled to her butt and lightly squeezed.

When she felt him squeeze her ass, Usagi lightly moaned into Mamoru's mouth.

After a few more minutes of them making out, Usagi lightly tapped Mamoru's shoulders.

"Is everything ok?" Mamoru asked, looking at Usagi, both of them out of breath.

"Yeah, everything's great. I just think we should stop before things go too far." Usagi calmly yet firmly told Mamoru.

"Right. Yes, I agree. Usagi—if you ever feel uncomfortable—or just don't want to do something; all you have to do is tell me, and I'll stop. Ok?" Mamoru sincerely told Usagi, slowly lowering her to the ground.

"Yes. Thank you." Usagi happily replied with a big smile once she was flat on her feet.

"It's no problem at all. I was raised to respect women and what they want; Ryou and Masaya were as well. We couldn't go back on our morals." Mamoru explained.

"So, now what?" Usagi asked, a little bored.

"I'm not sure. I suppose Ichigo's the one in charge of this little scheme?" Mamoru asked, looking at Usagi.

"Yeah. But I suppose we could go looking for her. See what she says." Usagi suggested.

"That sounds like a good plan. But maybe that'll have to wait. Skya's walking this way." Mamoru told Usagi.

"What? Are you sure?" Usagi asked, hurrying over to Mamoru.

Sure enough, Skya was walking that way; she smiled and waved at them as she walked past but just kept going.

After a minute or two, they saw she stopped at the room two rooms away from them; it looked like she was talking to someone.

"Ichigo?" Mamoru asked, looking at Usagi.

"Most likely. I don't think she's going to be talking to Moka anymore. That reminds me. That guy, Neji… He seems like an ass." Usagi answered and then stated.

"He is. I don't trust him as far as I can throw him." Mamoru replied, sighing a little.

"Then—why are you traveling with him?" Usagi asked, confused.

"It's only temporary. We're all running from the same crew. We just figured we'd get so far from where we would dock—in this case shipwrecked, and then go our separate ways. However, I'm sure, after tonight—with the exception of Neji, that plan has most likely changed. I don't think any of us will separate you, Ichigo, and Skya. Now, I'm not a hundred percent sure on this, but I'm almost sure you don't want to be traveling with Moka." Mamoru answered and then stated.

"No, we don't." Usagi replied before walking out of the room.

"Where are you going?" Mamoru asked, watching Usagi.

"I'm going to see what's going on." Usagi answered, walking away.

However, Mamoru followed right after her.

Neither of them realized that Ryou got up and was following after them.

With Masaya & Ichigo:

"What are we doing?" Masaya asked, watching Ichigo, knowing she came up with something—especially when she'd look out the handmade door every few minutes.

"Uhhh… I can't say…" Ichigo calmly replied; however, Masaya could hear a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"Ohh… I get it now. Skya likes Ryou, doesn't she?" Masaya affirmed before asking.

"What? No. Why would you say something like that?" Ichigo frantically asked, blushing a little, looking at Masaya.

"It was mentioned earlier that you, Skya, and Usagi were like sisters—and that you and Usagi are very protective of Skya. You keep looking out the door and around back at them. You know Usagi can take care of herself but, as unfortunate as it is, Skya can't take care of herself—not like you and Usagi. I have no doubt she can do some things to take care of herself, but she's not as strong as you two; it's clear to see. I'm not trying to be mean or anything; I'm just telling you what I see. But to my point. Seeing as you and Usagi can take care of yourselves, you're not looking out for her. That leaves Skya—unless you really do care about that Moka." Masaya started stating facts.

"Fuck no. I can't stand that cum-guzzling gutter slut." Ichigo responded, causing Masaya to laugh.

"You really do have a mouth on you, don't you?" Masaya asked after a minute or two of laughing.

"Is that a problem?" Ichigo asked, watching Masaya.

"No. It's just means you're feisty and know how to take care of yourself—and who you can and cannot trust. You know who you are. Don't ever change who you are if you're a good person. But going back to what I was saying before… Skya—she must be the one to like Ryou. Whether or not Usagi likes Mamoru, I heard her drag him elsewhere right after you dragged me here, leaving Ryou and Skya alone together. Not to mention, I know for a fact that Usagi likes Mamoru simply because she watching his every move when he's not paying attention; she also drools a little here and there. Also, I notice subtle signs that Skya likes Ryou. She's smart; she knows how to do these things she does without others noticing. However, she does slip up from time to time. Also, it doesn't seem that she realizes you and Usagi can see; she's so used to and comfortable with you to that she lets her guard down. She looks down, but using her eyelashes, she can look at Ryou just under them. Or she'll look out of the corners of her eyes. She uses looking down to avoid showing the fact that she blushes when Ryou talks to her. And she fidgets. Hold that thought; I've noticed she has a few different fidgets. She rubs her arms when she's cold. When she's scared, nervous, or uncomfortable, her entire body shakes while she fidgets around. And when she looks at Ryou, she plays with her fingers. She's never liked anyone before, has she?" Masaya answered before going onto explaining how he knows Skya likes Ryou and finally asked.

"Is it that obvious?" Ichigo asked, shocked.

"I don't know if it is to Ryou—but Mamoru and I can tell." Masaya answered, watching Ichigo turn a darker shade of red.

"You can't say anything to Ryou…" Ichigo started, almost begging, slightly upset.

"Relax. I won't say anything to Ryou or Skya. However, clearly you and Usagi don't pay that much attention. Ryou likes Skya as well." Masaya told Ichigo before telling her.

"Why doesn't he say anything?" Ichigo asked, looking at Masaya.

"Stubbornness. He's trying to convince himself she likes someone her age—or around her age; he's six years older than her. I don't think he can use the fact that he's a pirate and she's technically not as an excuse because she does have pirate blood running through her veins. I'm sure her mother must've told her stories and such; she talks about it and her father with you and Usagi. Also, her father was one of the most famous pirates there was. I'm sure she has some interest in pirates. He also believes she doesn't remember him." Mamoru answered.

"What do you mean by he doesn't believe she remembers him?" Ichigo asked, looking at Masaya.

"You and Usagi mentioned that Skya hit her head in some kind of accident and that she forgot a lot of things. And it had been so long. I think Ryou said she was five or younger when he last saw her and her mother. Why?" Masaya replied and then asked.

"She was in accident and hit her head a good few years back. And she did lose most of her memories—but they all came back after a few months. Before we came to this cave—when we first met you on the beach, we huddled together to decide if we wanted to trust you, Skya said she'd seen him somewhere before. However, she couldn't remember where—or his name. Well, she knew his name then because he and the rest of you said your names. But that's not the point. The point is, she remembers him. But, like him, she's stubborn. She believes he likes mature girls his age—or are pirates. I reminded her that her parents were like twelve years apart; she corrected me and said they were fifteen years apart. She—we were all taught that age was just a number. Love should be about two people who understand and love each other—and that they don't abuse or hurt each other." Ichigo replied.

"Well—hopefully one of them says something. However—now that I have just you here, I'd like to talk to you. Maybe I'm misreading signs, but you've been watching me since we met." Masaya replied and then stated, staring into Ichigo's eyes.

"Wh-what? No! I have not been staring at you in any way. Ok… Well, I have—but it's not how you think. No. I'm only keeping an eye on you to make sure that you're not going to hurt do anything to us—especially Skya." Ichigo nervously stated, tripping on her words, watching as Masaya stepped towards her.

"Uh-huh. Well, I'm not going to hurt Skya, Usagi, or you. Neither will Ryou or Mamoru. You and Usagi, however… I can't help but wonder how safe we are with you." Masaya spoke, stepping about two feet in front of Ichigo—who was backed against a wall.

"Are you going to give us a reason to hurt you?" Ichigo asked, looking into Masaya's eyes.

"No. Not unless you consider me telling you that, like Ryou likes Skya—and Skya likes Ryou, I like you. Sure, Skya and Usagi are cute and all, but I think you're so much more beautiful. However, I'm sure if they confess, Ryou and Mamoru are saying the same to Skya and Usagi." Masaya admitted, watching Ichigo—making sure she wasn't uncomfortable.

"You like me?" Ichigo asked, stunned.

"Mmmhmm. Yes. Why is that so shocking? Aside from any family, have you never been in love before?" Masaya replied, stepping right in front of Ichigo.

"Me? Once. But it only lasted a few weeks because I caught him cheating on me with some girl—and he slept with Moka while with me as well." Ichigo answered.

"Well, he was an idiot, now wasn't he?" Masaya asked, looking at Ichigo.

"I'd have to argue, and say I was the idiot for trusting him—for trusting someone who wasn't Skya or Usagi." Ichigo replied as Masaya placed his arms on either side of her head, leaning closer.

"No. In order to love somebody, you need to be able to trust them. That guy was just an ass who was manipulating you. I know you won't ever leave your sisters, but maybe the six of us could travel together. Once the weather calms and we can get out of this cave." Masaya told her before suggesting.

"Six? What about Neji?" Ichigo asked, looking at Masaya.

"Who cares? I don't know if you've noticed or not, but we really don't like or trust him—especially Ryou; he really distrusts him." Masaya replied, placing his forehead on Ichigo's forehead.

Ichigo trusted and felt safe with Masaya; she almost couldn't believe she let him get this close.

"If you don't trust the guy, why are you traveling with him?" Ichigo asked, making a point.

"Same goal; we all want to get away from our previous captains. It was agreed that once we got so far away, we'd depart and go our separate ways. However, it seems that we're going be stuck with each other because I don't believe we're strong enough to stay away from you, Skya, and Usagi. I know for damn sure I'm not—not with the way I've seen you staring at me—with a look I know well enough. Are you going to stop me?" Masaya answered and then went on to explain and then asked mere inches from Ichigo's lips.

"No." Ichigo whispered, eyes half-closed. Although, her eyes were open enough to see Masaya smiling before feeling his lips on hers.

Masaya had kept his hands on the wall and either of Ichigo's head until he felt her place her hands on his shoulders and started returning his kisses.

"You've kissed before." Masaya noted after pulling away to look Ichigo in the eyes again.

"A few times, yes." Ichigo answered with a smile.

"With that first boyfriend of yours?" Masaya asked, wondering how she got that good.

"Once." Ichigo answered with a mischievous smile.

"Only once? How many boyfriends have you had?" Masaya asked, looking at her.

"Just the once with the one boyfriend." Ichigo answered, still with that mischievous smile.

"Oh. So you're a bisexual?" Masaya asked with a smile.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Ichigo asked, teasing Masaya a little.

"No, I'm not bisexual—or a lesbian. However, I have kissed a girl a few times. Call it practice if you would. Skya's never been kissed before, and while I know Usagi's been kissed before, I do not know how many times." Ichigo spoke up after a few minutes of silence.

"Even if it were Skya or Usagi, you wouldn't tell me, would you?" Masaya asked, looking at Ichigo.

"Nope. Does that bother you?" Ichigo asked, looking at Masaya.

"No, not at all." Masaya answered with a smile.

"Good. Besides, it just means I know what I'm doing—and can even show you what I like—and even some tricks." Ichigo told Masaya with a smile, getting his attention right away.

"So—does that mean you'll travel with me and be my girlfriend?" Masaya asked, looking at Ichigo.

Before she could answer, Ichigo and Masaya heard something that deeply disturbed them.

"OH, MY GOD! NEJI!" "Good Lord, woman!" They heard Moka and Neji.

"God—could they be any louder?" Ichigo asked, annoyed.

"Knowing Neji—I'm sure they probably could…" Masaya mumbled a reply.

"Great! So, he's just as bad as Moka!" Ichigo snapped.

"I know it's probably easier said than done, but just relax and try to ignore them." Masaya calmly told Ichigo.

"Right…" Ichigo sighed, annoyed.

"Oh, and to answer your question: I'd love to be your girlfriend and travel with you—but only if Skya and Usagi go with." Ichigo answered Masaya's question.

"Great. So—you're going to show me some tricks?" Masaya asked, challenging Ichigo.

"Oh, you have no idea." Ichigo replied, taking Masaya's challenge with stride.

"Try me. You probably can't teach me something I already know." Masaya told Ichigo, really challenging her.

Ichigo didn't reply; she just shocked Masaya but jumping up on him.

"Just so you know; I am a virgin—and I'm not ready for that. But I do know other things." Ichigo told Masaya before passionately kissing him.

Fifteen Minutes Later:

Ichigo and Masaya were lying on some sleeping bags, holding each other.

"How long have you been a pirate?" Ichigo asked after a few minutes.

"Since I was five. My dad died when I was three and Mom had nothing; she met a crew made up of women and children; they took us in until my mother died, and I aged out at fifteen. They traded me to the crew I was recently in—with my Uncle Deep Blue until several hours ago." Masaya answered with a sigh.

"Deep Blue? I don't think I know that name." Ichigo replied, laying her head on Masaya's shoulder.

"He used to go by something else before years ago. I don't know what it was because I've only ever known him as Deep Blue. I know he used to be big at one point, but hasn't—I don't know. He likes to stay out of the limelight I guess you could say." Masaya answered.

Ichigo was going to reply when they heard footsteps approaching.

"Hmm? Skya, where are you going?" Ichigo asked when she saw Skya walk by.

"Bathroom. Then I have to go to the back and get something." Skya softly answered.

"Ok. Do you want me to come with you?" Ichigo asked, sitting up.

"No; I'll be fine. There's only one way in. You stay here and do whatever you're doing—or sleep. You look like you're going to sleep anyway; I don't want to disturb you." Skya replied before walking away.

"Well—at least it seems that Moka and Neji are done fucking. If Skya's going that way, she'll go right by them." Masaya stated, looking out into the hall.

"Right? Jeez… I really don't know how someone can be that loud…" Ichigo griped.

"Aw, but you've never had sex before. Just wait until you're ready for that—then you'll understand." Masaya stated, making Ichigo blush like crazy.

"Right… Oh, but hey. Was her face red—or was it just me?" Ichigo asked, looking at Masaya.

"Maybe a little. What are you thinking?" Masaya asked, looking at Ichigo.

"I'm thinking they confessed—and maybe she got her first kiss." Ichigo answered.

"You think so?" Masaya asked, looking at Ichigo.

"I'm not a hundred percent sure." Ichigo replied, making Masaya fall onto the sleeping bag he was on.

"She's not wrong." Usagi spoke up, walking in with Mamoru.

"What are you two doing here? What do you mean I'm not wrong?" Ichigo asked, looking at Usagi.

"Well, I'd peek out every now and then to see how they were doing and one of the times, Ryou placed his hand on her cheek and leaned in. I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure he kissed her. After that, I don't know. We just saw her walk by. Do you know what's going on?" Usagi asked, looking at Ichigo, somewhat concerned.

"She said she had to use the bathroom and that she had to get something from the back. She also said she'd be fine; the only way in is the way we came in from." Ichigo answered, looking at Usagi.

With Ryou & Skya:

Unlike Mamoru, Usagi, Masaya, and Ichigo, Ryou and Skya were far enough away from Neji and Moka that they couldn't hear them.

"So—you know Keiichiro?" Ryou asked, looking at a few pictures; Keiichiro was the boy with long brown hair and pale blue eyes.

"He's my older brother. He's a lot older than me. Mama and Daddy said that before he met her, Daddy loved a different lady and they had Keiichiro. But she became very angry and took Keiichiro far away. But then she got very sick and died when Keiichiro was six; he moved with Daddy on his ship. Daddy met Mama when Keiichiro was nine and they saw each other as much as they could until she turned fifteen and Daddy was thirty. When Mama was sixteen, Daddy was thirty-one, and Keiichiro was eleven, I was born. I only met Keiichiro a few times, but he was always very nice." Skya answered, picking at her fingers.

"If you keep picking at your fingers like that, you'll only end up hurting yourself." Ryou told Skya, watching her.

She didn't look up, but Skya stopped picking at her fingers.

"Your mother used to always say that—when you lived behind Mama and me." Skya spoke up, shocking Ryou.

"So—you do know remember me?" Ryou asked, watching her.

"A little; I couldn't remember your name—until after you said it. Some things take me longer to remember now, but it does come back. You and your mother were always nice to Mama and me when not many weren't. Your father had died a year previously. I heard about what happened to your mother; I'm sorry. Mama said it wasn't right—what that man did to her. Mama said I was too young to understand what that meant at the time; she said she'd tell me when I was older. But—she died a few weeks later." Skya softly admitted and explained.

"You remember more than I thought." Ryou noted, still shocked.

"I remember people and people who don't listen." Skya mumbled.

"People who don't listen?" Ryou asked, confused.

"The man who hurt your mother—he was the same man who hurt Mama. But nobody would listen to me. Well, nobody who could do something about it. Daddy, Ichigo, and Usagi were the only ones to listen. You disappeared, but Daddy said not to worry. He was right because one day he came to visit, and you were with—kind of. You stayed with a lot of the other crewmembers. I wanted to tell you about the man; he was staying in the same place as you and the others. But he saw me first; he said if I said anything to you—or showed you or Daddy who he was, he'd hurt not only me, but Ichigo and Usagi as well. He'd hurt us like he hurt Mama and your mother." Skya softly and sadly explained, wiping tears away.

"I'm sorry; I really am. I tried; I really did. At the time, you were bigger; Daddy said you were a teenager. I thought, maybe you could do something to avenge your mother so her soul to pass to Heaven. But then he saw me. He's gone now; he ran away when he attacked some wrong ladies. One was the rich man's daughter who lives on top of the hill—away from the beach. The other lady was a karate lady who beat him up. Both ladies are well. Last year, I think. I just remember the police leader came to talk to me; he apologized and asked a lot of questions. He really wanted to know the man's name—but I didn't know. I still don't know. I told him I saw the man run to the woods—after he left me a letter. He gave it to Ms. Jewel; she was the lady who ran the girl's home and made sure we were taken care of. She gave it to me. I made the police leader very mad because I told him I no longer had the letter. There was no point in keeping it because I can't read. Ms. Jewel was a nice lady, but never taught us anything because only men can learn stuff; girls aren't allowed to. She died—at the end of February. Some say she was very sick, while others say she was poisoned. The police were only asking about the man because they were afraid of the one lady because she could hurt them. The other lady is the daughter of the rich man. And then the police sent me away for a while." Ryou was going to say something, but Skya apologized and went onto explaining more about the man who killed his and her mothers.

After listening to all of what Skya just told him, Ryou was starting to become angry.

His and Skya's mothers and several other women were raped and murdered. And the man who did it is still out there somewhere. This same man threatened Skya—who Ryou has liked since she turned ten.

The police did nothing about the man back them—and completely ignored Skya. But now that some rich guy's daughter was attacked, the police are all over it.

Not all police are bad; Ryou knows this. In fact, he knows a lot of police who are or were good.

But what bothered Ryou the most was that because she got rid of a letter she couldn't read and because she wasn't giving "proper" information, they sent Skya away.

"You don't have to be sorry; you have nothing to be sorry for. What do you mean they sent you away? Do you remember for how long?" Ryou sincerely told Skya before asking her.

"They sent me to a special doctor in the next town. The doctor told me he could help me remember—and stop my lying problem. Just because my father was a pirate, didn't mean I had to behave like one. All pirates do is drink, lie, cheat, steal, murder, and rape. I tried telling them that wasn't true; not all pirates are like that. Daddy and all of his crew were very nice. Sure, they drank—and sometimes stole food for poor children, but they didn't lie, cheat, steal, murder, or rape. They only killed what Daddy calls pedophiles and other dirty pirates. Daddy didn't tolerate liars and all that other stuff; he only liked and respected honorable people. He never drank around me—at least not rum; he'd drink beer—which he always said tasted like piss. Excuse his French. They didn't believe me and called me a liar. They said I wasn't too far gone and that I could still be corrected. There was still time for me to become a proper lady that society would approve of. They also said they were going to find me a suitor—whatever that means. Ryou?" Skya explained, pissing Ryou off, who started pacing. She was confused and didn't understand why Ryou was pacing like that.

"I swear; I wasn't lying to any of them. And I promise I'm not lying to y—" Skya started but was stopped by Ryou kneeling in front of her.

"I know you don't lie; you'd never lie to anyone. I'm angry, yes—but not at you. I have no reason to be mad at you. I'm angry with the police who didn't do anything when our moms and several other women were raped and murdered. But when a rich family gets attacked, everyone's all over it. I'm angry because nobody believed and called you a liar. I'm angry because people believe the stereotype of pirates. I'm angry that you got sent away and that you're upset. I'm sorry if I'm upsetting and confusing you now. Also, a suitor is as man who wants to marry a woman. Sometimes people just find who they want to be with. Sometimes they're arranged or forced—like it seems they wanted to do with you. Skya?" Ryou explained; he was going to continue but was too shocked when Skya started crying.

"B-but… I-I don't want them to pick me a guy to marry! I-I wanna be with you!" Skya cried, shocking Ryou.

"I'm sorry!" Skya cried, embarrassed.

"Skya calm down; you're going to hurt yourself. Don't be sorry." Ryou calmly told Skya, placing his hands on her shoulders.

"Ry-Ryou?" Skya asked, confused, tears blurring her vision.

"Do you understand what I am?" Ryou asked, watching Skya.

"Yes. You're a pirate like Daddy was." Skya answered, looking at Ryou.

"Skya, I am six years older than you. Wouldn't you rather someone your around your age?" Ryou stated and then asked, watching Skya before looking directly into her eyes.

Ryou knew better than to ask Skya if she'd rather be with a guy who wasn't a pirate because when he lived next door, he used to watch her through their windows. She used to pretend she was a pirate with her two friends.

Even though Skya had health issues, Ryou knew what SHE wanted.

"Yes, I know… I understand that you like mature girls and I'll let you be because you deserve to be happy with whoever you like. But—I've always liked you. I've never liked anyone else—no matter how many guys asked me to go on dates. You're the only guy I like—and the only guy I'll ever like that way." Skya assumed before explaining and admitting.

Ryou was shocked; he hadn't realized that she felt so strongly about him. He never in a million years ever figured she'd ever feel for him like he felt for her.

"Skya…" "I'm sorry." Ryou started only to be interrupted by Skya apologizing.

"Stop apologizing. Just—just hold still." Ryou instructed, gently placing his hand on her cheek.

"Ryou?" Skya asked, confused.

"Ever been kissed?" Ryou asked with his face right in front of hers.

"No." Skya breathed, unsure where this is where this was going.

"Why not?" Ryou asked, closely watching her.

"I already told you: I don't like other guys; I only love you." Skya admitted, blushing.

"You love me?" Ryou asked with a soft smile, watching Skya's face become red. She hadn't meant to tell him that; she meant to say that she really liked him because it wouldn't hurt when he turned her down.

She lost it and got up—but so did Ryou.

"Stop. Relax. Skya… Look at me, please." Ryou demanded, gently pulling Skya to him.

"I can't." Skya softly spoke.

"Why not?" Ryou asked, watching her.

"Because…" Skya stared but couldn't continue because her breath became labored as she started crying.

"Skya… Please don't cry. I'm sorry if I'm confusing you. I'm trying to tell you I love you too. I've loved you since you were ten—maybe before then. But you were so young—we were so young; I didn't think you felt the same." Ryou apologized, pulling Skya to him to hold her.

All Skya could do was cry into his chest; she was happy but didn't know how to control her emotions.

'I'll be getting those four back for this—no matter what it takes. Whenever or wherever. Skya's so sensitive; she's always been this way—for as long as I've known her.' *Sigh…* Ryou thought to himself before sighing, placing his chin on her head, and rubbed Skya's back.

After about two minutes, Ryou sat them down because her legs were shaking.

Once he was situated with Skya on his lap, Ryou noticed she had her eyes tightly shut.

"You can open your eyes, you know?" Ryou told Skya, watching her; she just shook her head.

"Why not?" Ryou asked.

"I don't want to open my eyes and wake up to you not here." Skya answered, causing Ryou to smile a little.

"Skya, I promise you; this isn't a dream. Open your eyes and look at me." Ryou instructed, wrapping his arms around Skya.

It took a little bit, but Skya opened her eyes and looked at Ryou.

"See? Not a dream. I'm real and right here; I won't let you go." Ryou promised before gently kissing her forehead.

Just that promise and little gesture meant everything to Skya.

"Can I go with you—wherever you go?" Skya softly asked, looking into Ryou's eyes.

"I'm not letting you slip through my fingers; you're stuck with me—whether on a ship or not." Ryou told her.

"Can Ichigo and Usagi come with?" Skya innocently asked.

"Oh—I'm sure they'll be coming with. Now you have to answer my earlier question. Do you know how long you were at this doctors?" Ryou replied and then asked.

"Last year. Umm… June, July, and a little bit of August." Skya softly answered, thinking a little.

"Did they do anything to you?" Ryou asked, concerned; he didn't want to know. But at the same time, he needed to know.

"For the most part, because I misbehaved, I had to stay in my room. Their was a bed, sink, and toilet—and the walls and floor were squishy. They brought me food if I was good. If I wasn't good, they brought me bread, crackers, and water. They gave me shots that made me sick. And they made me take pills—well, they tried to, but I accidently bit one of the nurse lady's fingers because the orderly man was sitting on me and they were trying to force me to take the pills. After that, they said they were going to have to take drastic measures. They strapped me to a bed, put something in my mouth and told me to bite down and then there was this buzzing noise and then I was zapped—it really hurt. They didn't stop when I begged not again." Skya answered. However, once she got to the end, Ryou could barely understand because she started uncontrollably crying.

Even though he couldn't understand everything she was saying, Ryou was able to figure out what she meant. He got:

· Strapped to a bed

· Bite down on something

· Buzzing noise

· Painful Zap

It didn't take him long to figure out they had done electroshock therapy—which was outlawed nearly a hundred years ago.

"How many times did they do that to you?" Ryou calmly asked, tightly holding Skya to him; it made her feel safe, and he knew it.

"When Ms. Jewel came to get me, she was very angry because she was told I was going to a place to have special testing, not whatever that was. They told her they zapped me every Friday. I think Ms. Jewel screamed ten times at them." Skya answered.

'I'll kill 'em—every last one of 'em if I ever see 'em.' Ryou thought to himself. Although, he knew better; he wouldn't do anything to would leave Skya without him.

Ryou was snapped back to reality when Skya pulled away.

"Something wrong?" Ryou asked, watching her.

"No. I just need to use the bathroom and get something important Daddy left for you. I just remembered he told me he left you something." Skya replied with a soft smile.

"Ok. But before you go…" Ryou started, standing up.

"Yes?" Skya asked, confused.

"Can I at least kiss you once before you go?" Ryou asked, making her blush.

"Yes, please." Skya softly replied.

"Just hold still." Ryou calmly instructed before gently lifting her chin a little.

Once Ryou's lips met Skya's, she immediately clutched Ryou's shirt and kind of responded to his kisses.

"Thank you…" Skya breathed when he pulled away.

"No, thank you. Now go and come back." Ryou told her with a smile.

"Ok." Skya replied, stumbling away.

Ryou couldn't help but chuckle as she tripped over her own feet; still, she never fell over.

"On Akira's behalf, I will protect Skya with my life." Ryou quietly stated, looking from the ceiling (sky) to Skya.

With Everyone—Minus Skya:

After a few minutes, Ryou got up and started walking in the direction Skya went; however, he was following Mamoru and Usagi. He managed to catch part of a conversation between Ichigo and Usagi.

"She said she had to use the bathroom and that she had to get something from the back. She also said she'd be fine; the only way in is the way we came in from." Ichigo answered, looking at Usagi.

"Ok. Good. That's a relief. But don't caves usually have two entrances?" Usagi sighed and then asked.

"Right. Uhhh…" Ichigo agreed and then started, unsure.

At that point, Ryou figured he'd better speak up.

"Akira permanently blocked all the other exits." Ryou stated, walking to the door.

"Ryou—what are you doing here?" Masaya and Mamoru asked while Ichigo and Usagi stood there, shocked.

"Very clever, girls. Very clever." Ryou spoke directly to Ichigo and Usagi.

"Whatever do you mean?" Usagi asked as innocently as she could.

"How long have you known?" Ichigo asked, looking at Ryou.

"About the time you and Usagi dragged Masaya and Mamoru away the way you did. I will admit, it took me a few minutes to realize who the ringleaders were, but I figured it out—mainly because Masaya and Mamoru looked confused as fuck when you dragged them along. Also, I could see you two popping out every few minutes. Well, I mainly saw Usagi's hair, but I figured she was watching. And Ichigo, you I saw a few times. I hope you're happy." Ryou told all four of them after explaining.

"You and Skya are a couple?" Ichigo and Usagi asked, looking at Ryou.

"Yeah." Ryou plainly answered, looking at the girls.

"And you're both happy?" Mamoru and Masaya asked, watching Ryou's body language.

"Yes." Ryou once again plainly answered.

"Well, I don't know about the guys, but I'm happy." Ichigo answered with a smile.

"Same here." Usagi agreed with a smile.

"Well, it's about damn time!" Masaya and Mamoru exclaimed.

"Do you know what she had to go get?" Ichigo asked, looking at Ryou.

"No. She just said she had something important her dad left me to get; she wouldn't say what it was." Ryou answered Ichigo.

Before anyone could reply, they heard Skya heavily panting as she ran from wherever it was; she was running from before she tripped.

With Skya:

Skya was walking back to Ryou when she came across the room Moka and Neji were in.

Normally, Skya wasn't one to eavesdrop, but she heard something she hadn't expected to hear.

"I'd say you're crazy. The only two pirates I ever heard of were Akira and Cassius something or other. Oh, and someone named Deep Blue." Skya heard Moka.

Skya was only half-listening—listening for things that may be important.

"Precisely. Cassius is Akira's younger half-brother turned bitter rival; they have the same dad, but different moms. And Deep Blue was Akira's ex-friend turned bitter rival. Cassius and Deep Blue joined up and are co-captains of one ship. Listen to me. Akira was one man who cared more for his daughter and wife than the wide open sea/ocean. Yes, he loved being on the water, on his ship, but he was planning on throwing all that away from some woman and child. You don't want to join someone like that. If you want to be a real pirate, you want to join Cassius and Deep Blue." Skya listened to Neji; she didn't know her father was planning on leaving the pirate's life. He always told her he'd bring her with him and was never leaving that life; she was going to join him.

'Oh, Moka… Don't do it.' Skya thought to herself, keeping her hand over her mouth to keep quiet as she listened to Neji.

"They only murder people who try to fight or disobey them—like Ryou, Mamoru, and Masaya. Those three are always disobeying Cassius and Deep Blue and trying to escape."

"It's really a shame because those three had been doing so good these past six or seven months."

"I overheard them saying how they were going to try running again; I told Cassius and Deep Blue—neither of whom believed me. So they sent us out on a supply run to test our loyalty. The choice is up to you, but I think you should join us. I mean, what have you got to lose in staying here—with those girls?"

"Who would vouch for me?" Skya heard Moka ask.

'Please, Moka—no.' Skya thought to herself, hoping Moka would be smart and do the right thing.

Skya desperately wanted to stop this, but she couldn't just burst in there and stop them; she wasn't strong enough—and there were two of them.

She didn't know Deep Blue all that well, but she knew firsthand what Cassius was capable of.

"Sounds like an amazing plan. I'm in. Because you're right; there's nothing here for me. When do we leave? And how are we going to get to the ship if your boat was shipwrecked? And do you think they'll even accept me?" Moka excitedly agreed and then asked.

'NO! NO! NO! MOKA NO!' Skya screamed in her head

Skya missed Neji's answer and only heard Moka excitedly reply.

All Skya knew at that moment was that Moka was joining Deep Blue.

She just had to listen and figure out the important information.

"We can't hear them, but Cassius, Deep Blue, and the rest of the crew can hear us and our conversations; they've been closely following us—but stayed far enough back so that Ryou, Mamoru, and Masaya wouldn't suspect anything. By now, Cassius and Deep Blue know of their betrayal and most likely of you—and the other girls. Actually, Cassius will be thrilled to see Skya; he's been looking for her. Akira refused to tell him where she was; it's one of the reasons he killed him."

"Cassius views Skya as a plaything to do with as he pleases. Last time he had her, he anally fucked her until she passed out. He was going take her virginity, but Akira had to come in and ruin everything. We'll take her to him. We'll take the other two as well."

"Cassius and Deep Blue will show up with their first mates and some others. They'll know where to go because I led them right to the cave using a small piece of black string, leading straight here. And once the storm ends, Cassius, Diamond, Deep Blue, Pie, and their men will be waiting for us there."

"I can't wait to see the looks on their stupid faces when they find out that I'm still working with Cassius and Deep Blue and that I ratted them out." Skya listened to Neji.

"Will they kill the girls?" She heard Moka ask.

"I know for sure that Skya will be unharmed."

"As for the blonde and the redhead—I'm not sure."

"They may be raped a few times and then most likely they would wear out their usefulness and be killed. Would you care either way?"

"Fuck no! Ichigo and Usagi need to be brought down a peg. And Skya—that entitled little bitch… I can't wait to see her suffer."

"I don't want them killed right away. No, I'd rather see them suffer for years before slowly and painfully dying."

Skya couldn't believe what she was hearing. Sure, she finally realized Moka didn't like and was just using her—and that she didn't like Ichigo and Usagi. But she didn't think she'd want them to be raped, tortured, and killed.

She waited a few minutes until she knew they were asleep, and then she ran; she just ran nonstop until she got to the beginning of the cave.

With Everyone:

"Skya?" Ryou asked, confused when Skya ran past them; it was like she didn't see them. He didn't wait for the others; he just went after her.

The others were right behind him.

When they got to her, Skya was frantically packing all the food, blankets, pillows, and pictures in her backpack.

"Skya, what's wrong?" Ichigo and Usagi asked, concerned.

"Go." Skya wheezed, weakly standing up.

"Go? Go where? It's still storming. Hey, where are you going?" Ichigo asked, stopping Skya.

"We have to go." Skya told them.

"I understand what you're saying, but it is still storming. And you said that that's the only way in or out." Ichigo calmly told Skya.

"No… I said it's the only way in. We need to go; it's not safe. Cassius, Deep Blue, Diamond, Pie, and their men are out there waiting—or they will be once the storm dies. Please, we have to go." Skya informed them before quietly begging, shocking Ryou, Masaya, and Mamoru.

"Skya. Skya calm down; look at me. We'll go with you. Fine. But we need to know what's going on. Where did you hear those names?" Ryou gently grabbed Skya's shoulders and made her look at him before promising and asking her.

"I don't know Deep Blue, but Cassius is my uncle; he is dad's half-brother—like Keiichiro is mine. The difference is, Keiichiro is nice and Cassius is evil. I just overheard Neji and Moka talking. He said that you, Masaya, and Mamoru are traitors who keep running away. It was a shame because you had all been doing good for the last few months. He told Cassius and Deep Blue, but they weren't sure if they believed him, so they sent you all on this mission thing to prove your trust and worthiness. Neji said he used a black string that led from the beach to the cave so that they could find us. I saw the string, so I cut and kicked it away when we got here. But Neji is right; it won't be hard for them to find a cave lifted up on some rocks that you have to climb to get to. He has a communicator device thing that allows Cassius and them to hear all of us, but none of us can hear him. He's a traitor and a spy—and he got Moka to go with him; she's going to join them and become a pirate that way. They're going to give us to them; they're going to kill Ryou, Masaya, and Mamoru for sure. Neji said that they'd probably take Ichigo and Usagi and rape them until they're no longer useful and then kill them." Skya answered, talking a mile a minute, shocking the others.

"Wait—what about you?" Usagi asked, looking at Skya.

"Cassius wants me back as his plaything. I can't go back to him—not again!" Skya hysterically cried.

"Calm down. It's ok; it's going to be ok. I will not let them get or hurt you." Ryou promised Skya, pulling her into a hug.

"I knew that slut couldn't be trusted." Ichigo snapped.

"Calm down. This isn't helping nothing." Ryou told Ichigo.

"Please, can we please just go?" Skya asked, pulling away from Ryou.

"Yeah, let's go." Usagi spoke up, walking to the cave door they came through.

"No; we can't go that way. It's still storming too hard. Even if they're not out there—or close now, we wouldn't get too far before they caught up with us. Moka knows these areas just as much as us." Skya informed everyone.

"Then how are we supposed to get out when this is the only way in or out?" Ichigo and Usagi asked, looking at Skya.

"It's the only way in; it's not the only way out. There are a lot of ways out—but I only know of two others. One for emergencies—and one for desperate measures—like this. Daddy and Mama told me that it leads to somewhere safe where nobody could find me if I took it. Nobody can follow me and whoever I'm with. They also said that if I took that exit, this cave would be no more—and I wouldn't ever be able to come back here—to this town." Skya explained.

"Ok. Let's go." Usagi and Ichigo insisted.

"What are you doing?" Masaya asked, watching Skya place a piece of paper with an arrow pointing to an area.

"It's so Moka and Neji know how to get out when they wake up—if they can." Skya answered.

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Usagi and I love you, but you're too damn nice." Ichigo sternly told Skya.

"Let's just go." The guys instructed.

"Right. Lead the way." Usagi and Ichigo agreed, letting Skya lead the way...