Ahoy hearties! I intended to post this one yesterday but it turned out to be waaaaaaaaay longer than I thought, so it took me a bit longer. But ye scalawags ain't gon' complain bout that, are ye? It's by far the longest chapter, I've ever written!
Enjoy!
In the end, it wasn't Mokuba that came. I didn't pass out. Not really. I do remember being so drained of energy that I didn't answer when spoken too. All I could do was nod clumsily. I remember being relieved when Joey carried me to the infirmary. I believe that is when I fell asleep. True to his words, the Captain let me rest for a little while. Now fully awake, I stare at the wooden ceiling. The pain in my arm is almost completely gone and I feel lighter. Clean in fact. Orichalcum truly is impressive.
"Orichalcum…So that's what you died for," I mutter to my absent people as I feel my eyes watering.
I think of Seto. Was he right? Will I find nothing? What will I do if that's the case? No. I must stop thinking like that. I know there's something. There can't not be. I did learn something. That they really did have a privileged link to the water and that they forged a special metal. How strange. It's taken being kidnapped by pirates to learn these things. I bring my hands up and look at them. What more is there for me to learn about myself? How much have I missed? The door winces, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Ya're already awake?" says Joey, approaching my bed, holding what seems like folded cloth in his arms. "I thought for sure ya'd be knocked out till dawn."
"How long was I asleep?" I ask sitting up.
"Bit less than half an hour, I'd say."
That's all? It sure feels like I've slept a lot longer. My wound's been dressed again. Has Mokuba come here while I was unconscious?
"Don't ya worry bout the lad," says Joey, reading my face. "Jaden's been with him the whole time. They're on the main deck now. I bandaged ya up instead. Speakin' of, the cap'n wants ya ta finish fixin' up that sail when ya're up and changed."
With that, he puts down the clothes next to me. Mine are still humid and the hair on my skin stands from the cold. The first mate then turns away, making his way back towards the door and telling me to come to the main deck when I'm prepared. The fact that he's leaving me alone unguarded and expects me to follow his order without supervision surprises me. Has he started trusting me a bit too much? Perhaps he's figured that I'm harmless. I'm certainly not going to complain about this sudden bit of freedom. It might come in very handy. I stand up and grab the clothes to get a better look at them. My eyes widen when I realize what they are.
"Joey, wait," I call out just as he's about to leave the room. "These clothes are…"
"The cap'n picked 'em," he replies, grinning at me in a mocking fashion. "I don't think anyone'll mind havin' ya dressed like that. The hearties could use some eye sweetness."
I know it's no secret that I'm a woman but that doesn't mean I want to make it anymore obvious. Besides, if they're going to keep using me for manual labor and have me spar with them, a dress wouldn't to serve me well.
"I'd rather not," I say.
He shrugs, unsurprised. "The cap'n said ya'd say that. He's busy now so I doubt he'll spare time to negotiate yar attire. Sun's bright 'n high, though. Ya'll dry pretty fast on the deck."
I wonder if the first mate gave me that option because he took pity on me. In any case, I'm grateful. Leaving the dress on the bed, I follow Joey to the main deck. We're sailing again, and everyone is busy. Jack is at the helm as usual, looking forward and focused. I see Neal and a few others I recognize tending to the sails on the masts. Thankfully, there is no quartermaster in sight.
The wind isn't strong so our pace is slow. Under my feet, I can feel that the sea is a bit more agitated than yesterday. Joey's leading me to the mainmast where a group of three pirates —among which is Tristan— are surrounding Jaden and Mokuba, both seated on the floor. To my surprise, they seem to be enthusiastically watching the youngest Kaiba manipulate a piece of rope. He seems unexpectedly focused.
"Right-over-left overhand…Left-over-right overhand… Sharp pull," he mutters as he executes the maneuvers. "There! Perfect reef knot."
He proudly holds it up to Jaden's face who whistles in admiration. Even the men watching seem impressed.
"Shiver me timbers," says one named Reed, I believe, "ye really did remember all twenty knots in a row. Ye're a smart one, ain't ye?"
"Do they all breed ye the same where ye come from?" asks another who's name I did not retain.
"Ha! I told you I could," replies Mokuba crossing his arms on his chest. "I'm no average man. A pirate will never beat me."
The pirates laugh, making him pout and turn red. I stop in my tracks and watch. This scene is unsettling in a strange way. I am not seeing Moki being forced into labor by our captors, but two boys playfully challenging each other to a game. I'm tempted to let it go on. Mokuba honestly seems to be distracted in a good way. He's been so scared since we've been taken, struggling with himself to keep from panicking. For once he's relaxed, doing things a boy his age should do. Or at least, has the illusion of it. Seto would say not to let anyone wallow in false reality for too long. But can't it be alright, just for a little bit? Joey interrupts my daydream when he takes a step closer to the group to make his presence known.
"What the heck are ya'll doin'?" says the first mate. "The medic ain't supposed to be yar excuse to laze 'round. Get back to work."
"Ease off, Joey," says Tristan, sighing. "We're well out to sea now. Only the sail-men and Jack have a hand to play."
An annoyed grin appeared on Joey's face and he grabs the pointy-haired pirate around the neck, putting him in a lock. "Last I verified, I still was the first mate on this turner. And didn't the cap'n tell ya to practice duelin' if ya had free time, ya slacker?"
"Ow, ow!" lets out Tristan, struggling to get free. "Come on, hearty! I just finished cleaning and verifying the canons. All sixty six of 'em! Can't a man take a break? What've you done?"
"Keep off this territory, mate. I was up all night watchin' the rats and I had to do Bakura's work cause he's still passed out. And the canons are yar job! Ya call yarself a Master Gunner?"
"Ha! You're one to talk! You couldn't hit the broad side of a cargo ship two feet away."
Is the theme of the day, lightheartedness? It feels like I'm being on guard for nothing. It's awkward considering I have every reason to be alert. Well, at least I know that as long as I do what I'm told, most of them will be mostly civil. The only unpredictable ones so far are Atem and Bakura.
"Oh, hiya Miss Shayee!" exclaims Jaden when finally seeing me.
Mokuba, who's back's been turned to me this whole time, turns around surprised. When our eyes meet, he quickly looks away. I'm reminded that he still hasn't digested my letting the captain badmouth Seto. No hiding now. I can't let this go on. First of all, because of our situation. We're still hostages and we must get away from here before Seto finds us. Otherwise we'll have even more trouble. Second, I don't want him to think I'm betraying Seto. Reed and Tristan began asking me about the whale incident, but I ignore them and lower myself next to the youngest Kaiba.
"Moki, je suis désolée," I say, apologizing first. "Toi et ton frère, vous êtes tout ce que j'ai. Je te promets; jamais je ne vous trahirai. Ni toi, ni lui. Jamais."
The pirates stare at us, confused but I ignore them. I care not what they think. I only want him to hear me. Painful silent seconds go by, making my heart throb heavily. Finally, he turns towards me, throwing me that sad yet determined glare that could rip the tears from my eyes.
"Me too. I'm sorry."
A wave of relief comes over me and I smile at my little brother. There may be no blood between us, but we're family. That is something that I've never doubted. I knew it the moment Seto had me in his arms, twelve years ago.
"What are ye rats whisperin' about?" asks Reed, suspiciously.
"None of your business, pirate!" snaps back Mokuba.
"Alright, everyone back to work," orders Joey, with a serious note this time. "Tristan, pick up all the slackers and get swingin' before the captain finds ya layin' around like ol' socks. Reed, gather a band and start sweepin' the armory and the weapons."
"Aye, aye, Sir."
Tristan, Reed and the unnamed pirate leave to go execute theirs tasks. Jaden reaches for something next to him and presents me the folded sail I'm supposed to fix. I take it from him and sit next to the two boys. They've also brought me the sewing kit I used before. Joey gives me a warning not to wander around before leaving us to go about his first mate duties. For unknown reasons, Jaden is still here. Perhaps to watch us.
"Why were you teaching him to do knots?" I ask the young one-handed pirate, as I pick up my work.
"Tyin' knots be the basic to know when workin' on a ship, just like usin' a knife. Besides, it can be useful for plenty of other things. Like tyin' up enemies or makin' fishin' nets."
With a swing of his leg and a push of his back, he is back on his feet. This boy brings a new definition to the expression 'powder monkey'. More than once, I've noticed the incredible dexterity he has. It's no wonder he works the sails. I'm reminded of how young he is. Barely older than Moki.
"Besides," continues the so-called monkey, "Tis a challenge between men."
"Challenge?" I ask curiously.
"I teach him knots and he teaches me words!" he says flashing a bright smile.
Words? I throw a confused look at Mokuba who explains. "He can't read."
Oh. Well, I suppose that's to be expected. Most pirates are illiterate. I'm surprised though. From what we've seen of this particular crew, they all seem extremely knowledgeable and clever.
"The cap'n or Mr Wheeler usually teach me, but we be pretty busy lately. No time."
Now this, I believe. If Atem made one thing clear about his 'collection', it is that it's filled with exceptional people. Even though their skills could be varied, I'm certain he's kept them smart and alert. He seems to agree with Seto's words. A man who reads is a man who knows. Now that I think about it, these two have strange similarities. Determination and stubbornness are certainly two of them. Also possibly that smug air about them when they know they're in control. There's also… a strange sense of kindness.
I immediately regret thinking that. No, Atem's kindness is purely out of self-interest. He tells me what I want to hear to keep me in his net. Seto is harsher with his words, but his kindness is true even though there's nothing he hates more than to show it. What was I thinking? There's no comparing these two. Their cores are worlds apart. I shake my head to chase the thoughts away. Now is not the time to let that man's tricks get to me. I look for something to distract myself and my eyes land on Jaden's wrist stump.
"What happened to your hand?" I ask, shocking myself at how invasive that question is. "I'm sorry. You don't have to answer if you don't want to…"
The shaggy-haired boy looks at me strangely before sitting back down with us. "My old man sold me to a forge when I be just a sprog. One day, the owner came to visit. I accident spilled water on him. Said he be takin' me hand as payment. End o' story."
I freeze in my movements and stare at him. There isn't a trace of emotion on his face. He told his story as someone would tell others about a trip to the bakery. An uncomfortable tingle travels through my back and shoulders. I remember clear as day the pain that was done to me. How much pain has he endured for this to be so trivial to him? Even Joey — who seems to have joie-de-vivre at the core of his being— couldn't hide the silent rage in his eyes when speaking of his past.
"Ye alright miss Shayee?" he asks bringing his face closer to mine. "Ye look like a sheet."
"How old are you?" I ask.
He shrugs. "Older than twelve, younger than fifteen is what the cap'n be sayin'. It don't really matter to me."
With another acrobatic move, he's on his feet again. If anything, this boy's resilience is impressive. It wouldn't surprise me if his special skill was his agility and ability to adapt. From what I've seen, he's as skilled with his feet as with his remaining hand. I hesitate to ask but figure I have nothing to lose. Atem has never explicitly told me to be discreet about my discovery.
"Are you also here for revenge?" I finally let out.
"What are you talking about?" asks Moki, curious.
"I'll tell you the details later," I whisper back.
"Me previous boss already be dead," he explains, as nonchalantly as before. "The cap'n killed him when he attacked the forge."
That's a fortunate coincidence. For him at least. I then realize what he's just said. "Hold on, he attacked the forge you worked at? On land?"
"Aye, for the weapons. Now, I'm followin' him cause I want to be strong like that. I just be here to help me hearties."
Either Jaden doesn't realize what he's gotten into or he's completely fine with helping the others get the revenge they want. My guess goes to the latter. I don't think Atem would agree to have ignorant fools aboard his ship.
"Jaden!" shouts a voice from the top of the foremast, making all three of us look up. "Get yerself up here! We've got a loose one."
"Be right back!"
In seconds, the youngest sail-man on the Millennium climbs up the mast and joins his comrades on the highest top with the agility of a monkey. They're all the same aren't they? Jaden, Joey, the others… Broken by life. I distractingly pick up my sewing. Mokuba scoots closer to me, after making sure no one is within earshot.
"What was that about revenge?" he asks.
"This whole crew has been put together for one purpose. That's what Atem told me."
I curse myself for having forced that look of shock and worry back on his face. But he needs to know everything. We need to be aware and prepare ourselves for the worst.
"So it's true," he says. "They really are after Seto. What do we do?"
"No matter what, we can't let them know who we really are. Make sure to keep you brother's name to yourself. For now, just keep doing what they tell you to. As long as we're out to sea, there's nothing we can do. If we can make them drop their guard, we'll have a better chance on land."
He looks down, a serious air of deep thinking about him. One very familiar to me. I picture Seto at his desk, lost deep in his mind searching for a solution to a tough problem. There's no doubt about it; those two are brothers through and through. I can almost see his lips quivering when he speaks again.
"I heard about what you did this morning. It's true, isn't it? You can swim fast and hold your breath for a long time." He swallows his spit before this next part. "You could do it. Get away right now. No one could catch you…"
"No!" I nearly snap. "I'm not leaving you here alone. Seto would never forgive me and neither will I."
"You heard the captain; 'there's nothing more foolish than harming your own medic'. They won't hurt me, they need me."
I realize that this conversation sounds oddly familiar. Nearly word for word the one we'd had in the infirmary yesterday. Only we'd switched sides. It is true that unlike for me, Atem did say that he wouldn't hurt Mokuba for this reason. But I am not willing to tempt the man's anger. Even more than that, there's Bakura who I'm sure will find a loophole around his captain's orders to get to us. The memory of the murderous aura from the gathering is enough to make me shiver. Separating us is not an option I'm willing to consider.
"I'm not leaving you," I insist. "We'll think of something when we get closer to land. Until then, avoid Bakura as much as you can."
He nods and I can see the relief on his face.
"Jaden's been taking care of that," he says looking up at the top where his watch dog is working, "he always drags me to the kitchen when Bakura's around. Apparently that's the only place he doesn't go. The smell bothers him."
That's good. In any case, I'm fairly certain that I'm still the primary target of the murderous quartermaster. It's better this way, I know it is. It still terrifies me. When I was a child, I'd find hidden places before going to sleep because I was scared that pirates might come for me. This feeling is similar, only much more real.
"Oi, hearties, avast ye! It still be here."
The surprised exclamations get our attention. Leaning on the edge of the ship, the group of men that was previously tending to the maintenance of the ship are now staring down at the water. Curiosity gets the better of Mokuba and so he goes to look over as well.
"It's enormous!" he exclaims, before turning back to me. "Yugi, you have to see this!"
I hesitate to put my needles down but then, one of the pirates —a tall black man with an impressive built— also calls out to me. I seem to recall he's the carpenter of the Millennium.
"You'll want to see this, lass," he insists. "While it's this close and curious."
Having no Joey around to ask permission to or to stop me, I set my sail down and walk over to join them. In the slightly agitated sea, a large grey form is going back and forth between the front and back of the ship. Only a large dorsal fin breaks the surface. A shark. A massive shark, much bigger than any other I ever saw. My eyes widen but not in awe of its size. It's a male tiger shark. The sharp turns he makes while keeping up with the Millennium are quick. More than once, he suddenly speeds up towards the hull before diving deeper and reappearing further away. The restlessness of the beast is to be feared and for once in my life, I'm glad I'm not in the sea. He's dangerous. Through the water, I've no trouble seeing a large scar going from his left eye, all the way to his right flank.
"Maybe ye can go ridin' with it, like ye did that whale," teases one of the men. "The cap'n'll be surprised for sure."
"No," I reply keeping my eyes on the irritated predator. "He's starving."
"What are ye blabbin' about?" snorts a red-head. "If it be hungry, it be goin' huntin' instead o' circlin' us like that."
In most cases, he'd be right. But this isn't a normal shark. This one knows what kind of prey he wants. Man-flesh. I can almost taste the vengeful aura in the air. It's flagrant to me alone it seems, just like the cries of the whale this morning. Why?
"Listen well my Yugi, sharks are like lone wolves. They'll attack for three reasons; the first is if they're hungry. If that's the case, they'll only come after us if the food around is scarce. The second, is if they feel in danger. Do you understand so far? The third reason, is if they're angry at us. More specifically angry at mankind. We call these sharks, rogues."
Before I know it, I open my mouth and words pour out like a torrent. "Do you see his scar? He's been injured by men before. Now he sees us as enemies. He'll follow us for a while. If someone falls in, he'll kill them. He's starving for the blood of those who hurt him."
How do I know this? Seto didn't teach me that. He can't have, he spent his life trying to keep me away from anything concerning the sea. Which begs the question; who does that voice in my memories belong to? Of course, as I try to dive back in the past and remember, all that comes to mind is the sight of my village burning to the ground along with a sharp pain. Curses.
"Hahahaha!" Laughs the young pirate with spiky red hair. "Ye speak like a fortune teller. How'd's a landlubber like ye know anythin' bout the great sea? Ye never been out there, aye?"
I'm too preoccupied by my sudden recall to care about the taunt. I expect the other gentlemen of fortune to start mocking me as well, only for the carpenter to intervene.
"Bite your tongue, carrot top," he says. "You weren't here for this, but the rest o' you should remember the yami hunt in the Chinese sea. The cap'n said the same thing bout the monster. Said he wouldn't stop followin' us till it died."
"Aye, tis the truth," confirms another. "For sure, a Shayee knows better when it comes to the great sea."
"I ain't convinced," replies 'carrot top' crossing his arms on his chest. "She ain't been at sea in her life. She's still a landlubber."
The snarky remarks begin to irritate me. "Believe me if you want. That shark will kill anyone who dares go in."
"Well, isn't that interesting?" says that familiar gruff voice behind me.
My blood freezes in my veins and I whip around, finding myself face to face with the quartermaster. He clearly just woke up but there is not a trace of a hangover other than the dark circles under his eyes. He grins at me with that wolf-like grin and those murder-intent filled eyes. Before I can even think of stepping away, he walks past me over to the edge of the ship. The men seem surprised as well. He looks at the shark —about thirty feet away—, that smirk never leaving his face.
"There's an easy way to verify your theory, wench."
With that same lightening quick movement, he reaches for his belt and pulls out a knife. He brings it to his free hand and trails it across his palm. Clenching his wrist, he holds it above the water and a filet of blood drips down. A few seconds after the droplets hit the water, the beast makes a straight line towards the ship. So fast that he ends up slamming in to hull before resuming his rounds. Only his movement become a lot quicker than before, his predator instinct responding to the blood of his prey.
"How about that? You were right, half-pint. This thing's mad for blood."
His eyes are on me again and I take precautionary steps back. He looks far too pleased with himself for me to dare take my eyes off him. He takes a step towards me. I panic and jump back only to realize my mistake too late. Instead of chasing me, he turns to Mokuba who's well within his range. The youngest Kaiba doesn't have time to realize what's happening when Bakura grabs him by the collar, brings him closer and collides the handle of his knife with his temple. Not a scream leaves Moki's mouth and in an instant, all his muscles give in. He'd have collapsed to the ground is Bakura weren't holding him.
"What are you doing?" I shout, dashing forward far too late when I realize what is about to happen. "Stop!"
Without even using his second hand, the merciless quartermaster throws his passed out victim overboard.
"NO!"
"Bakura!" shouts Joey's voice from the quarterdeck, but it's too late.
The moment Mokuba hits the water, I see the fin furiously making a sharp turn and heading towards him. My body responds to my desperation and I run further up the deck while ripping the bandages off my arm. I step on the edge and punch my freshly cleaned wound as hard as I can before jumping, head first.
Let this work. Please, God, let me be on time.
I sink in as deep as my weight allows me before looking up. The shark deviates its trajectory the moment he caught the smell of my blood. He's looking at me now. I agitated my hands and arms which seems to be what motivates him to charge me. Every muscles in my body contracts and I whip around to swim away. Swim faster than I ever did, but I've no time to be impressed by my own speed. I can sense him getting closer and fast. When I feel it's shadow over me, I switch directions, moments before it reaches me, heading further down vertically. He missed me by an inch and I felt one of his fin hitting my leg.
I can't keep this up for long. I have to hide.
Immediately, I head for the large corals and rocks about ten feet deeper. The shark is already charging again. This once, I barely have time to get out of the way, his teeth hook part of my shirt and rip it off. I thank my Shayee blood and underwater agility. I'd already be dead if it weren't for that. I immediately head for the coral again. On the white sand at the bottom, I can see his shadow. He's fast and closing. My blood pumps through me like a lightening bolt, physically converting my fear. My eyes scan the rocks and I spot a tunnel like entrance inside a large rock. I don't hesitate and head for it. I don't have time to think. My instincts are the only thing keeping me alive. A moment after I've entered, the shark slams his head into the opening, desperately trying to follow me in. By some miracle, it looks like he can't get any further. Probably due to his unusual size.
I can't help but pant, letting the salted water in through my mouth and evacuating it through my nose, staring at the monster trying to kill me.
"If you are attacked by a rogue, know this my Yugi. The beast won't stop hunting till either you or it is dead."
That voice again. It's telling me I should kill it while it's stuck here. But I can't. For one, I'm too scared. My body won't allow me near it. Second, I have no time. I have to get to Moki before he drowns. I have no idea how long it's been since he was thrown in, but I know it's been far too long. At my feet, I see a large broken seashell. A wonderful makeshift knife. I pick it up just in case before following the tunnel to the other exit and emerging on the other side of the reef. I begin swimming back up when an ominous feeling crawls up my spine as I catch a dark shape in the corner of my eye. My heart nearly stops; a black bull shark is swimming in circles above me, clearly looking down at me. Of course! My arm is still leaking blood. I hadn't thought of other predators in the area.
I'm such a fool!
This one is but a normal shark but I've no time to hide and wait for it to give up on hunting me. I don't have a choice. I whip around and head back towards the reefs. As expected, it comes after me. Fear pomps through me along with my blood, and yet my body seems to know exactly what to do, spreading the energy of the panic and turning it into sound movements. Again, I keep an eye on the shark's distance behind me with it's shadow. I swim above the reef as fast and close as I can, as the shadow gets closer to mine. And closer. And closer.
"Wait until the last moment," says the unknown voice of my memories. "Strike when it is most vulnerable. When it's about to bite."
I see the jaw of the shadow opening. Now! I grab a handful of coral and pull my body out of its trajectory just before it can take a bite out of my legs. And as it's taken away by its speed and weight, I shove the broken shell into its throat, cutting it open to its stomach and leaving my makeshift weapon in its guts. A cloud of red spreads around me, blinding me as the bull shark begins falling and disappears into the deep abyss.
Panicking, I swim up to escape the cloud of red and my blindness. I've no time to think about what I've done. I have to get out of here quick. But I then feel a shift in the current. I know not what it means, still I turn around just in time to see the tiger shark escaping his prison and laying eyes on me again. Yet again, another bolt of fear strikes me and I swim up back towards the hull of the Millennium. I don't see Moki. Have they fished him out already? If I don't make it back onboard, I won't be alive to have my answer. I can no longer see the shadow to track it. I just swim as fast as my burning muscles allow me to while my heart begs to God.
Don't let me die. Please don't let me die here!
I feel him. He's behind me. Any moment, I wait for one of my legs to be torn off while the surface seems to be getting further and further. I don't want to die. I don't want to die. Seto… Then —seven feet from the surface—a faint silver or perhaps green glitter dashes past me. Seconds later, someone dives in, following the metallic glitter. I immediately recognize the tan skin and black hair. Behind me, the shark is shaking his head in pain and oozing blood from his head out of which a familiar silver handle is sticking out. Atem grabs a hold of the beast's dorsal fin before ripping Drainer out of the head, to this time shove it in the shark's throat and tear it open all the way to it's gills. The tiger shark stops moving instantly as another cloud of red spreads around them. I wait a handful of frightful seconds, before the captain emerges from the cloud with Drainer in his teeth and swims back up, telling me to do the same with a sign of the head. I obey and swim until I break through the surface.A rope is already dangling off the edge of the Millennium.
"Go!" orders the captain, "before more of them show up."
He didn't have to tell me twice. I climb up the rope, yet again forcing strain on my already aching arm muscles. Neal helps me inside when I reach the top but my legs give in the moment my feet touch the wooden floor. I end up on all four, panting my lungs out.
"Easy, lass. Breath in good."
"Mokuba," I say looking around frantically, "Where's Mokuba?"
That's when I see him, not five feet from me. He's on his side, eyes closed, unmoving… and his chest doesn't rise. Next to him, are Joey and Jaden, by his side. Both give me pitiful glares.
"He's not breathed in a long time," says the youngest looking down at Mokuba with the blankest of expressions.
Joey straightens up and bites his lips, guilt written all over his face. "I'm so sorry Yug…"
My body moves on its own again. I'm on my feet, I push the first mate and Jaden out of the way, with enough strength to send the latter to the ground. I grab Moki by the shoulder and turn on his back. It's just like before, I know what to do without knowing it, fueled by unbearable fear and denial. He can't die. Not here, not like this! My left hand slips under his chin to straighten it up while I pinch his nose with my right one. I bring my lips to his and breathe air into him.
What am I doing? Trying to breath life back into him? It's ridiculous. Nothing more than a desperate move on my part. Yet it feels so natural, so precise… And I can't lose him. He can't be gone, not him. Not my family. Not again. I breathe into him again.
'Please Moki. Hold on. Please be alive. Please,' I beg as I keep breathing.
I hear voices talking around me but I ignore them, praying. I said I'd keep him safe. I promised. I swore on my life. A strangled gurgle suddenly interrupts me, and I pull away. Mokuba's eyes suddenly flash open and he rolls to the side to vomit out all the salt water he's ingested and coughs loudly enough to tear his throat. The torturous pressure on my heart suddenly loosens, and it finally feels like the air coming into my lungs is pure.
"Blimey…" lets out Jaden, dumbstruck. "Ye brought him back."
I pay no mind to the sudden silence of the pirates around us. When Mokuba finally stops coughing, he looks around, confused as horse in a tree. After a moment, he find my eyes.
"Yugi?" Dear Lord, his voice is so hoarse from the salt, he sounds like he's caught tonsillitis. "What happened?"
A smile of absolute relief stretches out across my face. I let my hand wander in his black mane as if to make sure I'm not dreaming. "We took a bad swim. You're alright now."
He nods, eyes lost in nothingness, before leaning his head back down on the floor and closing his eyes. The exhaustion catches up to me as well and I feel my limbs shaking. The shock finally settles in as my mind reenacts what has just happened. A million questions swarm me and it feels like my head is going to explode.
'Moki is alright, that's all that matters,' I think to myself, to keep from going mental. 'That's all that matters…That's all that matters…'
It does nothing to help. My breathing quickens and the beats of my heart feel like cannon fire in my chest. I refuse to blink as I stare at Mokuba's rising chest, fearing it might stop. Half of my family has just grazed death. The drops of salt water dripping from my face are joined by the warm ones finally leaking out of my eyes. I lean forward, wrap my hands around his head and rest my forehead on his. I can feel his breathing from here, but it's not enough to make the fear go away.
"I'm sorry, Moki." I barely recognize my own voice. "I'm so sorry."
The muscles in my back tense up when I hear footsteps approaching us. A large hand lands on my shoulder, making me jump.
"Come on, Yug," says the first mate, gently. "Let's get him to…"
"DON'T TOUCH HIM!"
The scream that erupts from my throat surprises me as much as Joey who immediately takes back his hand. I look up at him and the other pirates around us. All have shock-struck eyes staring at me. I don't have time to wonder why when I hear myself shouting again.
"I will kill you if you touch him! Any of you. All of you. I will kill you!"
I have no control over the words spilling out of my mouth but I know one thing. I mean it. I mean every word. Even though I also know that I'm at my weakest. I'm alone and I have nothing but my teeth to fight. Still they're staring at me as if I have a cannon pointed at them. Even Joey —the wolf-man and most likely the strongest man on the ship— has stepped back and seems on guard.
"What's with yer eyes?" asks Jaden.
I don't get the time to answer when another voice reaches me. The voice of the quartermaster. Bakura seems to have taken my pathetic threat for a challenge. He walks closer and stops but a foot from us and I stop breathing.
"Sink me to Davy Jones' locker," he says, an air of fury about him despite his nasty smile. "I can't believe you're still alive. You're like a cockroach."
I'm shaking with all my might and I know it's not only due to my yet again drenched clothes.
"Seems the brat almost kicked it. He'll be out of it for a while. You'd better keep an eye on him. It'd be a shame if something happened to him again."
Again? Something might happen again? All of that was just the beginning. At the thought, my body suddenly tenses up completely. I see Joey —who's eyes have turned yellow— grab Bakura by the collar in the corner of my eyes. They're yelling at each other, but their words are distant. I only see the quartermaster. The threat. The enemy who'll try to take Mokuba from me again. The beast hasn't been killed yet. It's still there, thirsting for my family's blood.
"The beast won't stop hunting till either you or it is dead."
My eyes land on the long knife hooked to his belt. At this sight, a strange feeling spreads from my chest to my limbs and head, like a flowing current, immersing me completely. The ache in my muscles and the shivers are silenced as it passes. The pain in my arm also disappears. There's a calmness about it that is somehow frightening. I'm being carried by this strange stream, as if I've become it's strung up puppet.
Mere seconds later, not making a sound, I'm on my feet slamming into the albino's solar plexus with my elbow, backed up by my whole weight. Completely taken aback, Bakura falls on his back and lets out a painful grunt. Before I know it, I follow him to the ground, pushing down his chest with my left hand. I then realize my right hand's taken a hold of his still bloody knife and brought it high above my head. My insides tighten as I realize what I'm doing, but the stream doesn't stop. My left hand joins my right to bring the blade down towards his throat.
His hands grab my wrists, stopping the knife inches from his neck. His eyes reveal shock that quickly turns to anger.
"You filthy little…"
My legs stand to add more weight to the knife which gains me a few more inches. Still, teeth clenched and arms shaking from excess muscle strain, he manages to keep me away. The stream keeps pushing while I'm horrified not by what I am doing but by the absolute control this surge of energy has over me. What is happening? I want to stop. I want it to let go of me but it doesn't.
Answering my prayers, a pair of strong arms hook my shoulders from behind and pull me off the quartermaster.
"Easy there, Yug," says Joey's voice behind me.
His voice is so far away, I barely hear it. I can't take my eyes off Bakura and I feel my body fighting to escape the wolf-man's grasp but no more words pour out of my mouth like before. A painful throb squeezes my heart when the albino man stands back up. I feel my body fight even more. That look of hatred hasn't left his eyes. He takes a step towards us and picks up the knife I dropped when Joey grabbed a hold of me.
"Just you wait, devil girl…"
"Do not take another step, Bakura!"
At the sound of the captain's voice, my body finally stops struggling against Joey and my head turns to look at Atem. The tan man jumps off the edge back into the ship, dropping something heavy on the floor. He's tossed aside his coat and boots before he jumped in no doubt. Water and blood drip from his clothes and hair. But it's the glare he throws his quartermaster that really causes the cold silence on the main deck. Only once he's made sure Bakura stopped moving entirely does he make a straight line towards Joey and I. I realize that I'm completely frozen too. For a few moments, he stares down at me and that's when I see it. The reflection of my eyes in his ruby irises. I barely discern the shape of my face in them, but what I see clearly, are my brightly lit up… crystal blue eyes.
'Blue? My eyes aren't blue… what in the world… Is the stream doing this? Who is this? It's not me. It can't be me.'
"What's happening to me?" I ask to no one.
Instead of answering, Atem grabs my wrist and pulls me out of Joey's grasp before bringing me back to the unconscious Mokuba. My body still feels out of my control but for some reason, the stream follows his lead. He kneels down and I follow after him. He bring my hand to Moki's chest. Against my hand, I feel the feeble pulse of the youngest Kaiba's heart. It sends agreeable vibrations into my hand. Then further into my arm. And finally to my own chest. As would a dancer to a soft tune, my heartbeat slows down to match the gentle pulse. Little by little, the numbness fades away. I feel the pain in my arm and the strain in all of my muscles as the stream is finally retreating into my chest, freeing me. I begin shaking again and new tears stream down. I jump when a warm hand slides on my cheek, and its thumb wipes the tears.
"You can stop fighting now," says Atem. "You've done well, Yugi."
I can't see my eyes in the reflection of his, but my minds left blank with confusion. He's my enemy, isn't he? Why is his hand shaking like this? His ruby irises are lit up with silent rage but not for me. He stands back up and makes his way towards Bakura, each one of his steps making the atmosphere around even heavier with tension. The two men exchange glares until Bakura finally sighs.
"I was doing us a favor and you know it. So, Captain. What will be my punish…"
His words die in his throat when Atem's hand closes on his throat. The captain pushes him back until he has him against the mainmast. The grunting noises escaping the quartermaster's throat and his hands clawing at Atem's arm show he's not getting enough air. For the first time, I witness fear in the albino man's eyes.
"I've been far too indulgent of your tendencies Bakura. I should cut you open and hang you up with your own entrails for this."
Strangled gurgles are all he gets in response as he tightens his grip even more. Anymore and I fear a bone might snap. What I've done seems trivial compared to that. The ruthlessness can be smelled in the air.
"It was my mistake to trust you," continues Atem. "If your skills were any less than what they are, I would kill you here and now."
He releases him but the moment Bakura inhales, the captain's fist collides with his stomach, cutting of his new breath yet again. Not even leaving him the time to breathe in again, Atem punches him in the face this time. The quartermaster grunts in pain as blood drips down his nose and mouth, but miraculously, he manages to stay on his feet. What I can't take my eyes away from is the back of the captain. The tension in his shoulders and neck is as flagrant as a fire in the night.
"Reed, John!" he calls out. "Take his weapons and lock him up. Don't give him anything to eat or drink."
"For how long, cap'n?" asks the carpenter.
"Until I say so!" he snaps, shooting a fiery glare at them. "I'll decide on what to do with him later. Get him out of my sight before I change my mind!"
Hesitation vanished, the two sailors execute their orders and seize the barely standing Bakura. But as they walk passed the captain, he speaks one last time.
"That bilge-sucking wench'll screw up your head and everything else. I guarantee it."
Atem replies nothing and the two pirates take him away. He then turns to the wolf-man. "Joey, as of now, you're the quartermaster. Can I count on you?"
"Aye, aye Cap'n."
"Jaden, Neal. Take these two to the infirmary. Get them dried up and tend to their wounds. The rest of you, get back to work. We have somewhere to be and this turner won't move itself."
Joey brings his hand to his mouth and whistles to get everyone's attention before shouting orders. The pirates around begin moving, following said orders. But Atem picks up his coat and boots before heading for the quarter deck without so much as throwing a glance in our direction. I want to go after him. The questions in my head haven't stopped flowing and I'm not sure they will. All I know, is that he holds some of these answers. But I can't. Right now, Mokuba needs me. Still I stare at the captain until Neal comes into my line of sight, crouching down to pick up Mokuba.
"I'll do it…" I say.
"Don't be silly, lass. Ye can barely stand."
With that, he picks him up, and Jaden passes one of my arms around his head and helps me up, his good hand supporting my waist. I'm less than comfortable being handled in this fashion by them. Especially when we're this weak. However, the exhaustion wins and I let them lead us to the lower decks, knowing the beast that wants to kill us is still alive and plotting.
*Moki, I'm sorry. You and your brother, you're all I have. I promise you; I will never betray you. Neither you, nor him. Never." (French)
Let's be honest; who didn't see it coming?
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