Piracy

Chapter 4

Stellar Likes Grog

Dearka rubbed his temples in a vain attempt to sooth his pounding head that was suffering the horrid effect of a headache.

As Cagalli had predicted he had brought the Governors daughter, Flay aboard the ship. Unfortunately for him the girl was loud and unimaginable annoying. She had screamed and whined so much that she hadn't been on the ship for even a day before he couldn't take it anymore and threw her in the brig.

Kira had just laughed at him as Dearka was given the soul responsibility of keeping the girl alive as no one wanted to take care of her.

He was headed down to the cells to feed the captives as punishment for bringing the spoiled brat on board.

As soon as he approached her cell she immediately sat up and began whining and crying. Dearka rolled his eyes and placed her food on the floor. "Stop that before your tongue gets cut out."

She shut her mouth for a moment before starting again. "Why am I here? Where's my father? I want to go home! Let me talk to the captain!"

Dearka rolled his eyes and frowned. "Listen Your father is most likely dead, your not going home, the captain doesn't want to talk to you and as for why you are here….well I was going to use you as a comfort woman but don't worry that ship as long ago sailed."

Flay looked scared at the though but she soon started pouting again. "Why won't you let me talk to the captain?" She asked her voice actually serious.

Dearka looked at her. "He doesn't want to talk to you but if it will get you to shut up about it I'll see what I can do." Dearka said in a laid back voice and then left her alone and headed to another cell.

They didn't have very many captives in fact they only had two. The other Dearka hadn't seen or met. He approached a cell that was a few down from Flay's and unlocked it to step inside.

He saw a girl with pink hair sleeping on the small cot with what appeared to be the remains of a dress as a pillow. She only had her corset and under dress on. Normally he would try to make a pass but this was the girl that the captain had promised to kill anyone who touched her without her consent.

Kicking the cot none to gently the girl woke up with a start. "Thought you might like some food?" He said with a grin.

Lacus looked up at the man above her. "Oh, umm…yes thank you." She said as he placed the small tray of food on the floor near the cot.

He smiled at her. "Polite thing aren't you."

Lacus looked away. "Just because I'm a prisoner don't been I should be uncivilized."

Dearka laughed at that. "No one would blame you here lass. Cursing and rude behavior is a regular thing. Don't get me wrong there are a few gents on board but not too many."

Lacus smiled slightly this man seemed friendly enough. "I'm Lacus Clyne." Lacus said taking a sip of water that was given to her in a small time can.

"Dearka Elsman." Dearka said giving a grin. He saw that she seemed very troubled about something. "Listen; don't let the others get to you. They are all mostly talk I doubt that any of us would touch of disrespect you since you're on the Captains good side." Dearka sighed.

Lacus looked up at the last part. "On his good side?" Lacus asked in utter confusion.

Dearka smiled a goofy grin. "Yeah, the old sea dog as always had a soft spot. Though he is a just as brutal in battle as the rest of us, you can't tell me that in those big violet eyes of his aren't the kindness of a saint." Dearka said playfully as if he didn't believe a word he said was true.

Her brow knotting in thought Lacus pondered the idea of her being on the captains "good side". This could work out in her benefit. Perhaps that meant she would be safe until they docked at where ever they were headed.

Looking up to ask where they were headed Lacus was a bit surprised to see that he had already left. Was she so engrossed in her thoughts that she hadn't been able to hear the loud slam of the door and clicking of the lock?

No matter she doubted that he would have answered her anyways. Sighing sadly she leaned her head against the cold wood of the cells walls. The place was very damp and cold, a breeding ground for disease. She just hoped that if she did catch anything it would be a cold and nothing worse.

Leaning over she picked up the tray of food and began eating, making sure to eat the small amount of vegetables; the effects of scurvy not appealing to her and the vitamin c would hopefully be enough to keep her healthy.

A few hours pasted until a familiar figure approached her cell. Looking up Lacus saw none other than the captain himself. She was shocked to see him here.

Unlocking the door to the cell he walked in and grabbed her by the arm. He didn't speak a word, but lead her out of the cell. His pace was quick and Lacus did have a heard time keeping up but every time she felt like she would fall he slowed down and allowed her to catch herself.

Leading her up to the main deck where she discovered that it was raining a bit hard. The waves were high but not so that it was overly dangerous. The crew was scurrying around trying to take down the main sail before they were blown way off coarse (I know nothing about sailing)

She stayed close to the Captain not wanting to get in anyone's way but also that she didn't fall flat on her face; with his fast pace and the slippery deck not making it easy.

After pushing themselves past a hectic crew and the hard rain she found herself warm all of a sudden. She looked around to see herself standing in a reverently nicely decorated room. It was warm with the several oil lamps and a small fire place in the corner that had a screen to prevent coal from sliding onto the wooden floor as the ship swayed harshly.

This was with out a doubt the captains' cabin as there was only one bed that was covered in several blankets to keep warm. Even if this was the captains' cabin it wasn't an exception to the dampness of living on a ship and several blankets were needed.

Wrapping her arms around herself Lacus tried to warm her wet skin from the rain. She saw the brown haired boy at a large wardrobe and he pulled out something before returning to her.

"Here." He said simply throwing an article of clothing at her. She unfolded it to see a beautiful maroon colored dress in her hands with white ruffles in the front. She looked up at him in question. He only smiled.

"Can't have you running about in your underwear now can we?" He asked teasingly.

Lacus frowned. "I wouldn't have to if someone didn't cut off my dress." She mumbled but soon regretted it. She looked up to look at him to see if he heard her. He didn't appear to. He had his back turned to her respectively while she changed and was busing himself with a small green parrot that was pitched on a small stand by the bed.

Changing quickly taking advantage of the kindness of him lending her a dress; Lacus dressed as quickly as possible. The dress was a perfect fit, as if it was made for her.

Turning around sensing that she was done Kira smiled at the girl. "It fits; good I wasn't sure if it would."

Lacus turned to him. "I didn't know that pirates kept women clothing on board."

Kira laughed at that. "Well normally we don't. That dress as well as the others belonged to my mother. I keep them because they come in handy when the women of our ship need to go into town; also it's a nice reminder of her."

Lacus nodded understanding. She didn't have anything to remember her mother by and she always wished she did. So she understood the sentimental value the dress must hold and vowed to take good care of it.

The bird that Kira had been petting soon fluttered its wings and chirped happily causing the two occupants of the room to turn their heads.

"What a cute little bird." Lacus whispered as the parrot jumped onto Kira's waiting hand.

Holding his hand with the bird perched Kira looked at the blue eyed girl. "His name is Tori."

Lacus held out to own hand and giggled as the small creature jumped onto her own palm and titled its head at her.

"Umm I was wondering if you could clear a few things up for me." Lacus said timidly not wanting him to get mad at her though she had a feeling that he wouldn't.

"What is it that you would like to know?" Kira asked gently.

"Well, I guess my main question would be why did you attack my village?" Lacus said sadly.

Kira looked at her. "We needed to re-supply and get rid of the ships that were being built. It was rumored that they were strong military ships and having them on the waters would have been a huge threat. We couldn't ignore that so we attacked."

Lacus bit her lip. "So many people lost their homes and money that they worked hard for all their life. Doesn't that bother you?"

Kira looked at her. "It does, but it is also what I grew up around. I myself have lost several homes not to pirates but to soldier while I was a young child. After doing such things and witnessing them over so many years it becomes numb to ones self." Kira answered honestly.

Lacus looked at him. "Have you lived at sea all your life?"

Kira nodded. "For the most part, when I was between the ages of 6 and 8 I lived in a small fishing village off the cost of Orb. That's where I met my friend and first mate Athrun. Other than that yes, I was even born on a ship."

"That must be tough. I had heard that the life at sea was very brutal and harsh." Lacus whispered.

Kira sighed and ran a hand threw his hair. "It is but it is also boring. Long journeys take up much time and there isn't much to do. However it is the only life I have ever known and I wouldn't change it for an "honest" life style any day."

Placing a hand on her chin as the bird flew back to its master Lacus thought. She guessed her understood. She had never thought of a life style than her own so why should he?

"So what do I do know?" Lacus asked hoping that he wouldn't send her back to her cell.

Placing the green bird back on its perch he looked at her. "You can do whatever you like. You have no real purpose for being here and as long as you behave I won't put you back in your cell."

Lacus nodded understanding.

Kira continued after he removed his wet jacket and slung it over a chair. "You'll be moved to a bunk with my sister and Stellar. Nothing fancy but it is better than the cell."

Lacus looked at him in confusion and gratification. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

Kira laughed. "You really have done nothing to deserve to be here. You were only brought aboard because Athrun didn't want to leave you there on your own, plus you are well behaved which is more than what I can say for our other captive. So I see no real reason why you should be locked up."

Lacus gave her thanks and left the cabin with Kira. The sun was now out and the rain and wind had stopped with its arrival.

Kira lead her over below the ship to a different part not the brig. It was with many twist and turns and several hallways all narrow. She walked behind him as he pushed a door open and the walked in.

Feeling a bit self-conscious was something Lacus couldn't control. All eyes seemed to on them as they entered the medium sized room that seemed to be used for eating. It had several tables all where crowded with men talking, laughing and some arguing.

Kira lead her to a table near the back where a large counter separated the rest of the room from a cooking area. She looked to see two blonde buccaneers look up and take notice of Kira and herself.

"Cagalli, Stellar this is Lacus and she will be bunking with you two until further notice." Kira said simply.

Lacus looked at them from behind Kira back ignoring some of the leers she knew she was getting. Once she saw their faces his was shocked to see that they were girls, on of them even being the woman she met at the party.

Both dressed in rugged clothing, Cagalli had her hair tied back and the girl she assumed was Stellar had a piece of cloth tied around her head as a bandana.

Neither bothered to question as to why Lacus would be their new roommate they just gave a friendly greeting, which Lacus returned with a smile.

Kira left them shortly though after he was called over by another group and left Lacus to get acquainted with the two blondes.

Moving over Cagalli patted the seat between her and Stellar signaling Lacus to take a seat.

"Hello I'm Stellar." The shorter and younger girl said happily almost naive.

"I'm Lacus." Lacus said friendly.

"I'm Cagalli in case you don't remember we met at the party." Cagalli said before taking a drink out of her mug.

"I remember." Lacus said nodded. The she remembered how Cagalli was the one she had to pull Yunna away from and that led her to wondering what had happened to him, not that she was particular concerned.

"Stellar likes your hair." The younger girl said fiddling with Lacus pink hair.

"Thank you." Lacus said hesitantly she was a bit confused at the way the girl spoke in the third person.

"Don't mind her that's how she always talks. She never went to school as she grew up on streets with her brothers." Cagalli said rather bluntly sensing the pink haired girls' confusion.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." Lacus said looking into Stellars magenta eyes.

Stellar only shook her head and giggled. "That's alright Stellar is fine."

"Are you two the only females on board?" Lacus asked.

Cagalli shook her head. "No Merna the cook and Murrue the surgeon are also here."

"I always thought people believed that woman on a ship were bad luck." Lacus stated.

Cagalli nodded. "Yeah, but this ship is different plus without us I doubt only about half of the work would get done. Men are so lazy sometimes."

Lacus laughed as did Stellar.

"Here" Cagalli said handing Lacus the mug she had been drinking out of. Lacus only looked at it in confusion. "You look cold this will without a doubt warm you up plus it's really good."

Giving her thanks Lacus wrapped her hands around the metal mug and brought it to her lips. Before she took a drink she looked at the substance. It resembled dirty brown water and smelt strong and bitter. Lacus couldn't identify the substance but she was certain that she had smelt it before.

"It's not poison." Cagalli laughed.

Nodded and not wanting to see rude or ungrateful Lacus brought the mug to her lips and took a fairly large drink.

Almost immediately she sputtered out the foul tasting beverage and began coughing. It was bitter and tasted foul.

Stellar and Cagalli only laughed as Stellar took the drink away and took a sip of her own.

"I guess it takes some getting use to the taste of alcohol." Cagalli laughed and gave Lacus a hypothetic look.

Lacus was too busy taking deep breaths to ease her of the taste that lingered in her mouth she just hoped that she would throw up.

"Stellar likes grog." Stellar said after she downed the rest of the drink.

"Grog?" Lacus questioned.

"What you just drank it's a mixture of rum and water; never met any self-respecting pirate that didn't enjoy it." Cagalli explained.

"Oh, ump…." Lacus didn't know what to say.

"Come now you must be tired, it's been a long day for everyone. Well show you to our bunks." Cagalli said and the three girls stood up and headed out.

Truth is told Lacus wasn't tired in the least as she spent most of her time sleeping in the cell. However she was curious as to where she would be staying.

The two blondes lead her down very narrow hallways that lead to an opening. It was large and many bunks were built into the walls of the ship and some hammocks were there as well. She followed them to the back were a large curtain was set up. Pushing it aside they showed her where they would be staying.

"This is our part of the room, careful of the men though sometimes they like to pull back the curtain to peek on us. It don't happen often though, not unless they want a beating from us, it usually only happens when they are to drunk to have common sense." Cagalli said casually.

"This is your bunk" Stellar said pointing to a bottom bunk. There were two sets of bunks.

"Stellar sleeps on the top one and Cagalli sleeps on that one." Stellar explained and pointed to the bottom bunk across from Lacus.

Nodding the three girls got ready for bed. Not to long after they had settled the men of the ship could be heard entering the room quite loudly.

"KEEP IT DOWN!" Cagalli and Stellar shouted angrily and the room became silence.

Lacus only laughed.

Lacus' Village

Yunna pounded his hands angrily on the tables. "We have to find her! Track her down!" The purple haired man whined like a child.

"We have no idea where they are headed. We need to get experienced soldiers to look for them." A man said. He was a one of the people in charge of the village along with the governor and one other man.

"I sent a letter to the navy; we should get a reply back any day now." Another spoke.

Yunna seemed to calm down a bit but was still upset.

"As much as I hate to admit it, he is right. We can't risk going against them on our own. Plus we have no boats to use. They were burned to the ground during the raid. What is important is rebuilding the village and then we will address the matters of the pirates." George Allster said looking at Yunna. He wanted revenge as much as the next person but he couldn't let things be done on impulse.

Yunna only pouted and crossed his arms much like a young child being told her couldn't have a cookie until after he finished his dinner.

He vowed to himself that he would get Lacus back and her fortune.

A/N Ok I wrote this in one sitting believe it or not so don't hate me for any mistakes! Things are a bit jumbled up and confusing but all will be cleared up in future chapters.

I found out that there is another Gundam Seed pirate story! DAMIT and I thought I was the first! Though I have never read it that's what I have been told grr…..!

To all my reviewers thank you so much!

Please review and tell me what you think!