Chapter 5: Successful Pirate

Go

I was definitely losing my mind. For the first time in years, I had decided to go on deck during a skirmish to watch the progression of the next capture. Why? Because it would give me the chance to see how well of a swordsman Awayuki had become. I blamed my pride for overcoming my disgust of the capture.

Since I had been hearing rumors about a passenger ship coming through the Caribbean, I had expected our target to be a large ship—and was disappointed to see that we were up against a small merchant ship. Only marginally bigger than Awayuki's pinnacle. But it was putting up a good fight against us, that much I could see from the demands for more gunpowder and cannon balls from the crew. With his rapier swinging from his waist, Awayuki ran more ammunition to them.

Kei was doing my job, issuing orders for the gunmen to fire or cease fire in a pattern that only he understood. Although I had eventually been given the title of weaponsmaster, I was never truly given the authority associated with that title. I was a captive, not to be trusted. I would only maintain and make the weaponry, never give orders. And that would never change. And I liked it that way. It meant that I could keep my distance from the rest of the crew.

But Awayuki was different. When he passed the crew, he would give them a knowing look, acting as if he were no different from them. As if he was here of his own will. If I had not heard of his mutiny plans from his own mouth—I might actually think he was enjoying being a pirate.

I flinched as a cannon ball flew through the starboard side of the Pretear and whizzed past me, missing my right ear by inches. As detached as I usually tried to be from the battles, the cannon that almost took my head off was an insult I could not ignore.

"Kei! If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're wasting my ammunition!" I cried out, feeling my pulse race—whether from the near miss or the battle in general, I did not know. He turned and gave me a look that only showed a hint of irritation, before turning back to the battle.

I felt a shiver run down my spine at that look. If I could see any emotion from Kei at all, it meant that he was seriously annoyed. I didn't have long to ponder over it, however. I heard the order to board our target, and turned to see Hayate standing unmoving beside Captain Sasame, who had just issued the order. I felt my blood boil at the sight of the two of them calmly watching the capture; the confidence on both of their faces was sickening.

I turned back to Awayuki and saw that he was already making his way over to the other ship. Stupid kid to go in so early, I thought angrily, leaping over to the other ship's deck, my sword drawn. As I fought my way through the poor crew trying to defend their own ship, I watched him cut his way with grace and speed. I followed him closely, worried. He might have learned a lot these past few months, but no sensible swordsman should go unassisted as he did.

It was almost as if he was trying to appear as if he was single-handedly taking his ship.

I slashed left and right, making sure that my targets were maimed enough to appear dead. Hopefully that would save them from both capture and actual death. I felt my blood pounding in my ears as I parried sword after sword. For a merchant ship, they were surely putting up a strong fight. What could possibly be aboard this ship that would lead this small crew to risk losing everything?

I heard a cry and looked to see Awayuki attacked from several directions at once. In a panic, I rushed forward. I couldn't afford to lose him—the only companion I had on the hell ship and the key to my escape.

"Awayuki!" I cried, plunging forward—only to stop short in my tracks. Out of nowhere, Hayate had appeared beside Awayuki, instantly killing the attackers in a single broad swing.

"Quit standing around uselessly, tulip head," I heard Hayate yell at him. Awayuki glared at him until he turned away to the battle once more. As soon as he had turned away, Awayuki's expression turned soft—almost as if he was filled with gratitude. I felt a surge of anger and turned away, ready to take down some more of the crew—only to find myself in surrounded by only the dead and wounded. As quickly as the battle had begun, it was over. The first battle—and I was convinced the last—that I would be directly involved with.

I heard the sound of clapping, and stiffened as the captain walked past me towards where Awayuki and Hayate stood, their swords dripping with blood. With the excitement from the battle wearing off, I caught an almost tortured look pass through Awayuki's eyes as he gazed at his rapier.

"Seems like I was right to keep this boy alive," Sasame said, eying Awayuki with what I could only describe as a lustful gaze. Was he interested in boys as well? I shook the thought out of my head and watched him warily as he circled Awayuki.

"How is it that a scrawny thing like you who couldn't even hold a sword correctly a few months ago do this?" he hissed suddenly and grabbed Awayuki by the neck. I watched in horror as Sasame lifted him into the air, all the while tightening his grip on his neck. If I didn't do something…if I didn't do something…

"I've been teaching him swordsmanship," I said finally, my concern for Awayuki overcoming my fear of the captain. Sasame released Awayuki, who fell to the ground, gasping for air. I felt relief wash over me, which was quickly replaced by cold fear as Sasame's violet eyes fixated on me. He continued to walk towards me in silence, and drew his sword. My mouth went dry.

"I suppose you are useful now and then. This sword was made by you, correct?" he asked. I nodded, my body trembling. I never knew what to expect from Sasame; Hayate was predictable, so easier to deal with. I had only one method of dealing with Sasame, and that was to not interact with him at all. Which I had failed to do now.

"Very good," he said, sheathing his sword and walking past me.

"Hayate, see to it that the boy and our weaponsmaster are rewarded for their efforts. Kei, I leave the loot in your hands," Sasame commanded, returning to the Pretear. Although my knees were still shaking, I willed myself over to Awayuki.

"Are you okay?" I asked. Awayuki nodded, getting to his feet. I opened my mouth, but felt Hayate's shadow loom over us. I closed my mouth abruptly.

"A party will be held for you," Hayate said to Awayuki. He nodded, a look of satisfaction running through his eyes. I was right then, after all. He had meant to play the role of the solo successful pirate to capture the ship.

"It's opium!" I heard someone call out. My eyes widened in surprise. The cargo was opium?

"Opium from China, no less," Kei remarked, as he brought a sample from below deck to show to Hayate.

"A profitable find indeed," Hayate said, holding the package in his hand, "I will inform the captain of this immediately."

I sighed inwardly as he left, and moved forward to reach out to Awayuki. He seemed pale—whether from the pressure the captain had placed on his windpipe or from the shock of his first skirmish as a pirate, I did not know. I extended a hand out to him, which he took gratefully.

"Ya all right?" I asked. He nodded solemnly, giving me a worried look in return. Perhaps I, too, did not look too composed after my encounter with Sasame. Awayuki managed a small smile.

"I didn't embarrass you, did I?" he asked. I looked away from his conflicted eyes and placed what I hoped was a comforting hand on his head.

"Not at all," I answered finally. I watched in silence as the weight of what he had done—of what he had become—settled onto his slender frame. His shoulders sagged and his face darkened. I felt a twinge of guilt that I had not done anything to keep him away from this battle.

"Now let's go check out the party in our honor, shall we?" I asked, trying to cheer him up—a futile effort, but an effort nonetheless. Awayuki's expression did not change.

"Let us celebrate," he said bitterly, his face twisting into a wry smile, "The day I have truly become a pirate."