Piracy

Chapter 14

Departure

Early Morning

Lacus came down from her room to see what all the commotion was about. Outside her room she had heard the shouts of Athrun, Kira and Mwu trying to get everyone organized. Something was happening and the pink haired girl was determined to find out.

Stepping outside the morning breeze gave her goose bumps as she looked around for the captain. Not being able to find him but able to hear his voice every now and then Lacus tried her best to follow his voice.

"Hey Lacus what are you doing?" Shinn shouted out to the pink haired girl.

Lacus looked over and saw the young pirate holding a large crate and walking over towards her.

"Oh Shinn I was just looking for the captain. Have you seen him anywhere?" Lacus asked as Shinn stopped a few feet in front of her and tried to balance the heavy crate within his arms.

Shaking his head Shinn answered. "No I haven't actually. I saw him over by the Archangel a few minutes ago but that was before Athrun sent me to load crate of gunpowder onto the ship." Shinn said moving the crate in his arms to emphasize his point.

Lacus nodded. Looking at Shinn she approached him with concern. "Are you alright? Do you need help?" Lacus asked kindly.

Quickly Shinn shook his head. "No, no I'm fine. Really, besides it would be too heavy for you." Shinn said as he struggled with the crate.

Frowning slightly Lacus reached over and attempted to take the crate.

"No Lacus, really I'm f-HEY!" Shinn shouted as Lacus was finally able to take the crate away from him.

Surprisingly Lacus was able to balance the crate almost perfectly. She did have some trouble but if she hurried to the ship she should be able to make it. Crate in hand Lacus headed towards the ship.

Standing in his place like an idiot Shinn gasped slightly. He was shocked to see the girl-whom looked so small and weak- lift and carry a heavy crate that even he was having difficulty with.

Some other crew members who had witnessed the ordeal snickered at Shinn, who only glared at them and shouted for them to get back to work.

Reaching the ship Lacus didn't go aboard as an older man had offered to take the crate from her as it wasn't suppose to go on the ship yet. Agreeing lacus handed over the crate. No sooner than she did her name was called yet again this time by the one she was looking for.

"Lacus!" Kira called heading towards the girl. Behind him was an older woman with grey hair tied up in a bun and was very thin, with a pointed face, she was almost witch like but her soft eyes showed that she was a kind woman.

"Yes?" Lacus asked as the two approached her. As they stopped Lacus was a bit surprised at how tall the older woman was. Almost as tall as Kira this was strange.

"This is Lyn." Kira said pointing to the old woman who gave a kind smile and wave to Lacus. She was obviously very shy.

"Nice to meet you." Lacus said politely but she was bit confused as to why she was meeting this individual.

Looking between the two women Kira finally spoke. "The Archangel is leaving today and I have arranged for you to stay with her and..."

"What!" Lacus cut in. She didn't like the sound of that.

Kira looked at Lacus calmly. "Lyn as graciously agreed to let you stay with her in running the inn."

Lacus looked at both of them with wide eyes. Kira was leaving her behind. "Why did you do that?" Lacus begged.

Kira raised an eyebrow at her. "Well we are going on a dangerous voyage and I though this would be better than letting you fend for yourself."

Lacus really wanted to glare at Kira but she didn't she was too confused and mortified. "Please don't take this in any disrespect." Lacus said to both of them. "But I don't want to remain here. I beg of you there must be another way." Lacus begged she really didn't want to remain on the island if Kira and the archangel were leaving.

Shaking his head fought the urge to give into the girls pleas but remained firm. "Lyn here will tell you everything you need to know." With that the brunet pirate walked off.

Lacus felt like crying. She knew that Kira was only thinking of her safely. Or at least she hoped, but she didn't want to remain here. She wanted to go with Kira. Feeling tears prick at her eyes Lacus tried to wipe them away before the other woman saw.

Unfortunately she was not that lucky.

Lyn frowned sadly at seeing the young girl cry. She knew what she must be feeling. Call it woman intuition. "My dear child, please don't cry." Lyn attempted to comfort on a small soft voice.

Lacus sniffled berating herself for being so childish but she couldn't help it. "I'm sorry I know that I should be grateful to you but at the moment I just can't be."

Lyn sighed sadly. "I understand. I lost someone I love to the sea and I can understand how it feels when they leave and you don't know if you are going to see them again." Lyn said with a said sigh.

Lacus blushed as she knew what the other must have thought. "You are mistaken. I care for Kira surely but I don't love him." Lacus protested.

Lyn looked at the girl with surprise but then with an all knowing look. "Oh, of course how silly of me."

Lacus blushed even more; something about the older woman eyes sent a shiver up her spine. It was almost like this woman knew something she didn't. "Well what am I suppose to do? Just follow his orders and remain here?" Lacus asked.

Lyn looked like she was about to say something before she was interrupted by a loud shout.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!"

Looking over they saw an angry blond girl marching towards them. Cagalli with her hair tied back looked ready to kill. She stopped no more than a foot away from them and looked each of them in the eye before she shouted again. "I heard everything that my stupid brother said!"

Blinking at the blonde pirate Lacus cleared her throat. "Oh….um…you did?"

Glaring Cagalli snapped. "YES! I did and I must say I am ashamed that you would even consider listening to him."

Lacus looked at the girl startled. "Aren't I supposed to listen to him? You too? After all he is our captain."

Making a rude noise Cagalli shook her head. "Not with matters like these."

Confused Lacus tilted her head to the side. "Oh?"

Glaring Cagalli huffed. "Do you want my help or not?"

Lyn looked at the girl. "With what?"

Rolling her eyes Cagalli sighed. "Getting her on the ship that is."

Lacus looked really happy. "You will!"

Nodding Cagalli smirked. "Aye I have some free time."

Lyn looked at both of the girls for a moment before taking them both by the wrist. "Come with me."

"What! Where are we going?" Cagalli demanded.

Lyn smiled. "Well she can't go on a pirate ship looking like that." Lyn said pointing at Locus's beautiful dress. "A real pirate wouldn't where such a thing." And with that she dragged them both towards the inn.

With Athrun

"Damnit." Athrun murmured to himself as he crept along the ground using the large barrels and crate that were gathered to be loaded onto the ship for coverage. He felt really low for crawling along the ground like a common dog but at the moment he was willing to do anything.

"Athrunnnnn!" A shrill voice called out, causing Athrun to shudder.

"Ugh." Athrun moaned pathetically as the voice seem to get closer.

A flask of grey caught his eye and the green-eyed teen ducked behind a barrel. "Damnit! Why now?"

"Athrun where are…oh!" The owner of the voice called out but stopped as she noticed Athrun perched behind a barrel.

"What are you doing down there?" a dark haired woman asked with small eyes.

Standing up Athrun brushed him off and chuckled nervously. "I uh I was checking the ground. "Athrun said lamely.

The girl who was dressed in a very revealing outfit looked at the boy confused. "Checking the ground?"

Laughing nervously again Athrun nodded while tapping his left foot on the wooden ground of the deck. "Yup just making sure it's sturdy." Athrun lied pathetically.

"Oh well that's nice." The girl chirped cheerfully and Athrun groaned did she really believe him? Or did she just not care?

"Yeah uh umm I'm going to leave now." Athrun said hastily and tried to run but he was grabbed roughly by the arm by the girl.

"But Athrun." She wined and fluttered her eye lashes at him in what she thought was seductive but with her one black eye it wasn't working all to well. "We haven't even spoken sense you arrived. Come on I'll give you a "session" no charge." She whispered huskily and leaned on Athrun.

Shuddering noticeably Athrun desperately tried to pry his poor arm out of the girls grip. "No thanks." Athrun said as politely as he could. He knew perfectly well what she was getting at sense she had tried the same thing many times before.

Pouting the girl tried a different tactic and turned to face Athrun. "Come on it must be hard on those long voyages with no woman contact." She purred.

Athrun just wanted to either throw up or throw her into the water and hope that a shark would just happen to swim by and eat her. "Meer! Please I need to get going. I have lots of work to do." Athrun tried again to get away.

Meer pouted slightly again and looked up to see the captain on the boat leaning on the edge talking to someone. Smiling she called out to him in a sweet voice. "Oh Captain Kira." She called.

Kira turned from his conversation with a crew member to look over the ships edge at the couple.

Smiling brightly she gripped Athrun arm even tighter. "Would it be alright if I borrowed Athrun for a little while? It as been ages since I last met with him. Just for a little while."

Kira looked at the two for a little while with a raised eyebrow. Meer was still clinging onto Athrun and Athrun was giving him a look that clearly said. "For the love of God save me! If you have a decent bone in your body you will save me!"

Smirking and feeling unacceptably mean Kira put on a smile and mocked Meers sickly sweet voice with one of his own. "Of course, what the hell I'm sure Athrun would love to spend more time with you. Just make sure you give him back before we leave." Kira said waving. He couldn't help but chuckle slightly at the terrified expression on Athruns face. So what if both Athrun and Cagalli would be looking to slit his throat for this. Right now it was to tempting to pass up a chance to humiliate Athrun as these moments were not common.

Squealing Meer nodded her thanks and dragged Athrun off.

Athrun couldn't hold in a small. "Bastard"

While the Captains laughter could be heard quite loudly.

Yunna's Estate

Luna growled as Yunna once again started babbling on and on about how he missed his fiancé and how he would not rest until she was once and for all return home to him. It was all an act of course. Luna could see past the façade but said nothing. This was her chance at getting back at that bastards son and she wouldn't let it get pass her.

Smiling she took the map that Yunna handed to her and opened it on the desk to get a good look.

"These are all the locations that are considered to be routine stops for the Archangel." Yunna said pointing at a few red marks on the paper. "There is no word on where the Archangel is or was last seen so you will have to check these locations first and ask the towns people if they have any information."

Luna smiled slightly. Perhaps Yunna was not as much of a moron that she had first thought him to be. "Very well. This should be easier than I thought." Luna said more to herself than Yunna. She was expecting a little more of a challenge from the legendary Archangel but then again she could be wrong.

"So when are you leaving?" Yunna asked.

Luna smiled rolling the map back up and heading for the door. "Right now, the ship is prepared and ready to leave. Don't worry though I will not return without the Archangels captain's head."

Yunna slammed his fisted on the desk. "No!"

Turning to look at the man over her shoulder Luna pushed a piece of hair from her face. "What?"

"I want you to come back with the captain and most of the crew alive!" Yunna ordered his eyes narrowing at the girl. Challenging her to say no.

Luna frowned she didn't want to take back any survivors she would rather kill everyone at sight. They deserved it after what they did to her family. Then again it would be more humiliating for the captain to return to land in chains.

Smiling she nodded. "Understood."

Yunna sighed before glaring at the girls back as she turned again. "And don't take to long."

Luna sighed. Maybe he was an idiot.

Docks outside Yunna's Estate

"Is everything ready?" Luna asked a crewmember as she walked up the plank and onto the ship. It was nice and windy perfect for sailing and she had to keep a hand up to make sure her hair didn't cover her face.

"Yes ma'am." He replied with a salute.

Smiling again Luna walked up to a platform where Rau was standing with the same two she had met Yunna with and Rey, Rau's personal student. "Cast off." Rau said as Luna joined them on the platform.

"Are you ready?" Rey asked Luna.

Smiling even brighter she nodded. "I couldn't be more ready in my entire life."

A silver haired boy who had met Yunna with Luna spoke up. "So what is so special about this Archangel?"

Rau smiled. "Yzak, the Archangel is a very large and fast ship and is controlled by pirates. Though it is not as well armed as a military ship it is fast, very fast and its skilled crew only makes it even more of a threat."

Yzak made a noise. "Nothing we can't handle. We will bring back this "Captain Kira's" head back with us as a trophy.

Luna shook her head. "No Lord Yunna wants him alive."

Yzak growled. "What! Why?"

A green haired boy frowned. "Our job is to get this Miss Lacus back nothing else. It shouldn't matter if we take him alive or not."

Yzak snorted. "If she is even still alive that is."

"Yzak!" The green haired boy scolded.

Sneering at the smaller boy Yzak snapped hotly. "What? You know how pirates are! They kill and kill and don't give a damn."

Luna rolled her eyes. "Sounds like someone I know."

Growling Yzak rounded on the girl. "What was that?"

"Nothing."

Both glared at each other before Rey stepped in. "So where is our first stop?" Rey asked Luna who still had the map.

Opening it up Luna scanned the map for the closest location. "December City."

Orb's Docks

"Almost ready kid." Mwu said coming up to meet Kira on top the ship.

Kira looked up from the map Bloom had given him to stare at the blonde. "Alright, where are Athrun and my sister? Are they back yet?" Kira asked looking around for the two in question.

Mwu shook his head. "Last time I saw Athrun was running away from that whore Meer and Cagalli has disappeared somewhere. By the way I haven't seen Lacus around either."

Frowning, Kira returned his attention to the map. "I arranged for her to stay with Lyn."

Mwu looked confused. "Why? I thought you two really hit it off."

Kira kept his gaze fixated on his map. "We did but…it will be better and safer for her to remain here."

Mwu frowned but couldn't help but nod in agreement. "Alright then whatever you think is best."

Kira smiled.

"Hey I think there is someone you forgot to say goodbye to." Mwu said looked over the side of the ship.

Curious Kira soon joined him. "Who?"

Looking over Kira saw Meyrin standing near the docks waving at him. Sighing he looked at Mwu silently asking if he should go.

Mwu smiled. "She deserves a proper goodbye even if you don't return her feelings."

Kira nodded. "Alright, I'll be back in a minute."

Waking off the plank that connected the ship and the docks floor. Kira made his way over to the red head who was smiling sadly but sweetly at him.

"Hello Kira." Meyrin said in a small voice.

"Hey."

Biting her lip Meyrin looked up at the brunette pirate. "I know you have to get going so I'll make this quick."

Kira sighed sadly and took on of Meyrins hand in his own. "Listen you have to stop this. I don't have feelings for you to go beyond a friendship."

Tears entered the girls' eyes. "I understand. I have always known but I guess I was fooling myself by letting me believe that there was chance for us."

Kira shook his head. "Don't say that. You are a wonderful person Meyrin. Anyone would be lucky to have you."

Meyrin wiped her eyes. "Maybe if I wasn't so plain I would have had a better chance. I look at Lacus and I can't help but feel lower than her."

Kira felt something tug in his chest with that. Meyrin thought he didn't like her because of her appearance when compared to others. "You're beautiful Meyrin." Kira said cupping the girls face. "I have always thought so."

Sniffling Meyrin looked up at the pirate. "Really?"

Smiling Kira nodded.

"You are a good friend of mine Meyrin and a beautiful woman but you are not for me." Kira said feeling guilty.

Sighing a ragged breath Meyrin tried to suppress her tears. "I understand, I can't do this anymore. It's not fair to you or me. Plus I don't think your sister likes me very much." Meyrin said with a laugh.

Kira laughed to. "Believe me when I say that has nothing to do with this."

"I know." Meyrin said in low voice.

Taking both of Kiras hands she clasped their fingers together and brought them to rest above her heart. "You will always have a place in my heart Kira. You were always kind to me and for that I am grateful. So if things don't work out…please…think of me as an alternative."

Shocked at her words Kiras eyes widened. "Meyrin…I…that's not fair to you. I couldn't…"

Meyrin interrupted. "I'll wait." She said desperately. "I know it sounds crazy but I…I don't think I would be able to move on."

Sighing sadly Kira looked the girl in the eye. "I will do that…only if you promise me you will try to fall in love with someone else."

Meyrin nodded. "Agreed."

Kira was about to turn to leave when a tug at his arm caused him to stop. "Yes?" Kira asked.

Biting her lips nervously Meyrin looked at Kira with shy eyes. "I umm… I just wanted to do this." Meyrin said timidly and leaned in close.

"Meyrin what are you…" Kira was cut off though by a pair off soft lips.

Shocked Kira didn't know what to do. Deciding that it was only one kiss he returned it but only half heartedly. It wasn't a promise of love; no it was just their way of saying goodbye.

Slowly he wrapped his arms around the girl in a friendly manner.

With Lacus and Cagalli

"I don't know Cagalli. I'm not exactly use to wearing these kinds of things." Lacus said as she and Cagalli made their way back to the Archangel.

"Oh stop complaining. You look great." Cagalli said cheerfully looking her friend over.

Apparently Lyn used to be a pirate herself on her husbands ship back when she was young. The old woman was kind enough to lend Lacus some of her old clothes so she wouldn't have to worry about ruining her dress. The pink haired girl was dressed in a tanned shirt tied at her stomach so part of her stomach showed with a dark green and white short vest that also tied but just beneath her breast. A long skirt that went up to her knees was in a slightly darker tan color and was tattered at the ends. A pair of black leather ankle boots completed the outfit with along with a black leather belt that held a cutlass.

Lacus had tied her hair up in a pony tail like Cagalli and had a dark maroon bandana wrapped around the upper par of her head so her pony tail stuck out.

Truth is told Lacus felt a little giddy in the outfit. She really felt like a pirate as now she would be able to blend in, now the only trouble was getting on the ship without being seen by Kira.

They approached the ship and ran up the planks to see Mwu standing there mouth open wide.

"Mwu?" Cagalli called a little disturbed.

Snapping his head to look at the two girls Mwu felt his jaw drop open as he looked at Lacus. Who just fidgeted under his gaze?

After moment Mwu smirked and whistled loudly. "Looking good lass." Mwu said giving Lacus a wink.

Giggling Lacus looked around. "Where is Kira?"

Mwu seemed to lose his voice at that moment. "Well uh…you see. He uh…umm…"

At that moment a blue haired boy ran onto the ship. "Where is he?" Athrun shouted his eyes blazing and a few lipstick marks were on his cheek and neck though he seemed more than repulsed by them more than anyone.

"Athrun?" Cagalli question looking directly at one mark on the boys left cheek. "Who gave you that?"

Growling Athrun shouted out. "Your brother!"

Silence enveloped the air as everyone starred at Athrun weirdly. Finally realizing what he just said Athrun quickly corrected himself.

"I mean he is the reason someone gave me these." Athrun shouted pointing to the offending marks.

"What are you talking about?" Mwu asked looking at Athrun like he was crazy.

"Meer! He made me spend time with Meer! Wait until I get my hands on him I'll…" Athrun ranted but no one was paying attention as a loud gasp from Lacus -who had wandered over to the edge of the ship- caught their attention.

Her eyes locked with the scene unfolding before her. Kira and Meyrin where kissing. Though there didn't seem to be anything passionate about it Lacus felt her heart break. Tears welding in her eyes she could feel her own heart beating loudly in her chest as if it wanted to escape its prison between her flesh. It was so loud that she barley heard Cagalli murmur something about Kira being an idiot and then slowly pulling her away from the edge. She didn't want to believe it but it was right there before her own eyes. The kiss wasn't long though and the two broke apart. Kira looking guilty and Meyrin looking very depressed.

Kira soon made a final goodbye to the red-haired girl and headed for the Archangel.

"Come on Lacus we have to go before Kira notices you." Cagalli warned and dragged Lacus off to the bunks.

Athrun and Mwu just looked at each other feeling bad for Lacus and confused.

"This won't end well." Mwu said watching as their captain approached.

Athrun frowned. "For once I think your right."

Kira finally arrived and saw Athrun. "Where is Cagalli?"

Not bothering to bring up the whole Meer thing, at least not yet Athrun pointed below the ship. "She just went to put something on her bunk."

Kira nodded. "Alright then let's go.

Nodding Mwu and Athrun helped Kira get everyone organized and within a few moments the Archangel pulled out of the docks and headed for open water.

Below the deck though the only thing that could be heard was suppressed sobs.

A/N Ok here is the thing. I'm going for a trip with my family and friends to New York for about two weeks so I won't be able to update for awhile so I figured it was only fair to put up one more chapter before I left. Anyways this on is a little longer than usual so I hope you enjoy. Also I didn't have time to get my betas to read over it as I am leaving in a couple of hours. So yeah, sorry for the mistakes and perhaps rushed sentences.

Reviews are nice.