- Disclaimer: K-ON characters do not belong to me.
- Warning: Contains explicit content, fantasy violence, futanari, nudity, sexual situations.
DO NOT READ IF YOU DO NOT LIKE
Ritsu took half her crew to accompany her into the island. The other half were ordered to stay on board the ship. If anything were to happen, it would be significantly better to have a prepared crew ready to set sail. They left the boats on the shore and made way for the jungle quickly. It would take at least all day to reach the center of the island.
Mugi followed right behind Ritsu dressed in a new change of clothes. She sported almost the same attire, wearing a thin, white blouse instead of Ritsu's linen shirt and vest. A leather belt decorated her chest and waist, strapping one pistol and cutlass for safety purposes. She wasn't familiar with any swordplay, but she was accustomed to loading and shooting a gun. Mugi pushed past a few stray leaves as Ritsu created a path with her machete. She looked around her surrounding with awe and amazement. The only places she ever visited were towns and ports, never isolated islands.
When they finally made it to a clearing, Mugi rushed to Ritsu's side. "Where are we?" She asked.
Ritsu sheathed her machete and handed it to to Yui who stood beside her. "Wait, on second thought..." Ritsu took back the machete and handed it to one of the other men in her crew. Entrusting Yui with a sharp, deadly blade might not be the best decision.
"Well, it doesn't really have a name," Ritsu said as she began walking towards the jungle. She looked back at Mugi with a grin. The feathered hat she chose for her completed the heiress' look. "You really are a pirate now," she said with a wink.
Mugi smiled back and couldn't resist the urge to twine her hand with Ritsu's. She noticed the brunette look down at their hands for a second before lifting it up and planting a brief kiss on the back of her palm. Mugi loved how Ritsu didn't mind being physically intimate with her in front of her own crew. "So about this mermaid," she began and inched closer to the brunette.
Ritsu grinned from ear to ear as they hiked up the trail. "What of her?"
"How did you meet?" Mugi asked and focused on not tripping over the rocks beneath her feet.
"Well..." Ritsu contemplated for a second and dove back into her memories.
The Mermaid
Mio and Azusa watched in the shadows as someone came stumbling out of the jungle and fell on the ground.
Suspended in the heavy silence, both mermaids kept quiet, lifting only their eyes above the water. "Let's go," Azusa suggested as quietly as she could.
Mio took Azusa's hand underneath and held her there for a moment. She knew she was right. Mermaids were never to make contact with humans unless they were hunting, but Mio felt a dire need to stay. "W-Wait here," she said, releasing the girl's hand.
"Mio!" Azusa whisper yelled as her friend sank back into the water. She waited in the shadows as instructed and watched from a distance. Mio swam closely to the surface and peered above the water maintaining a safe, comfortable distance. She narrowed her eyes and studied the way the person was dressed; she had a leather belt strapped to her chest where two pistols were attached, and a silver sword by her side. Okay those were definitely warning signs that she should swim back to Azusa.
"Mio!" Azusa called from afar.
Mio waded in the water and observed the rest of the human. It didn't take her long to judge that this person was a pirate and a girl. Fortunately for Mio they seemed to be unconscious too. She turned back to Azusa and tried to give her another "wait a minute" look with her eyes. If the person were unconscious, they weren't a real threat to either of them. Mio dared to swim closer, but the moment she did, she instantly regretted it.
Her breath hitched in her throat and her heart sank to her stomach. The color red, the universal indicator of blood drenched the human's entire shirt, soaking it in an unsightly mess. Mio swam back and hit Azusa's chest, fear and fright alight in her eyes.
"I told you this was a bad idea, now let's go!" Azusa took Mio's hand and pulled her back but stopped when she felt some resistance.
"That human, she's-she's unconscious."
Azusa moved to the side to take a better look. "Good, then running away makes it that much easier."
"Wait Azusa. That's not all, she's wounded too." Mio turned her head halfway to look back, but she knew that if she did she would probably faint.
"Mio, that's not our problem!"
Azusa's words rung loudly in Mio's ear. She knew her friend was right. It wasn't their problem, but it would be to the human if she didn't get treatment right away. Was she prepared to leave the life of this stranger to fate? No, to death's door? Mio wasn't sure if she could live with that guilt. "If we don't do something right now she'll die!"
Mermaids always did have a sharper sense when it came to certain things. And Mio sensed eminent death the moment she took a closer look at the girl. Apparently Azusa noticed it too, but being the most practical between the both of them she decided not to act on it. "Like I said Mio-"
"If she dies tonight I don't think I can live with myself." Mio spoke the words before she realized what she said. Why did she feel this magnetic pull to help this stranger? She wasn't obliged to help her. And no mermaid in their right mind would ever help a human.
"Do you know what that human even is?" Azusa asked, but Mio knew she might've already known the answer to her own question. "She's a pirate Mio." Azusa could tell by the weapons in her body and the notorious trademark tricorne hat.
Mio remained quiet for a while. Azusa had always hated pirates, ever since they took her mother away from her.
"I know that," Mio said under her breath.
"Then why would you help her?" Azusa's voice sounded betrayed, mixed with a hint of anger and frustration. "You know what they do to us. You know that they'd capture us the first chance they get."
Mio only studied the water between them.
"Do you remember what they did to my mother?"
"Of course I do!" Mio finally yelled back. Both of them had to look behind to check if the girl was still unconscious. She still was. "Of course I do Azusa," Mio said as she rested her hands on the girl's shoulders.
"Then why?" Azusa hardened her eyes at Mio. "Why do you feel like you have to help her?"
"Because," Mio paused. "Because she hasn't done anything wrong to us."
Azusa backed away. "And when she wakes? What proof do you have that guarantees she won't be like the other pirates?"
Mio opened her mouth to speak, but she had no reasons, no arguments that would defend her decision.
"I thought so." Azusa swam back a little farther, far enough to stay away from her friend. "I'm sorry Mio, but I just...can't. I can't help a pirate."
"Azusa please," Mio begged but the younger girl only held her hand out to stop her.
"I'm sorry." Azusa receded into the water and dove deep into the lake leaving her all alone in the middle of it all.
Mio closed her eyes and reluctantly accepted Azusa's decision. When she turned around to the unconscious pirate on the ground, she couldn't help but weigh the option of following after her friend. For a minute longer, she stood still in the silence and looked back at the girl.
Whatever she was going to do, she had to do it alone.
"You were dying?" Mugi asked as they sat by the campfire. Just as Ritsu had planned, they were able to make it to the location before nightfall.
"Yes, so I don't really remember what happened when she first made contact with me." Ritsu casually threw a stick into the fire and watched it give fuel to the burning hearth.
"What was it like?"
Ritsu returned Mugi's question with a solemn grin. She felt many things, mainly pain and regret. "Hard to say," she answered vaguely.
"I've heard that some people see their lives flash before their eyes before they pass on." Mugi tossed a twig into the fire. "Did that happen to you too?"
Ritsu lowered her eyes and concentrated on the gold coin she passed between her fingers. "Yes, it did."
Mugi's heart stilled in her chest and for a moment she found it difficult to breathe. "What did you see?"
Ritsu clutched the golden coin in her hand and looked up at the starry sky. "I saw my past, when I was still recruiting my own crew. Yui was the first who followed me first." She watched over the brown haired girl who was busy taking account of the firewood they had gathered for the night. Knowing her, she might've lost count and started again. "My reputation wasn't as good yet, but everything changed when I bested one of my enemies and earned the ship that I have today. Ever since then, I looted all the treasures I could get my hands on." Ritsu placed the gold coin on top of her hand and flipped it up into the air, expertly catching it the next second. "Take what you can, give nothing back! That's my motto."
Mugi smiled warmly at Ritsu. The various antiques and treasures she'd seen in her quarters were all trophies from Ritsu's conquests. By the looks of it, she'd been to many places, parts of the world that even Mugi hadn't been too. "But isn't it dangerous? Looting treasure?"
"It is when you've got others working towards the same goal."
"So it's like a competition."
"More than a competition," Ritsu corrected. "When you compete ordinarily, all you get is a winner and a loser. But the truth is, in the end you don't really lose anything. Well, maybe an ounce of your dignity and pride." Ritsu glanced over at one of her crew members who had a peg leg. Mugi followed her direction and remained attentively quiet. "In my world, sometimes winning and losing comes with a cost. If you win you get the glory and the treasure. If you lose..." A second of silence passed between them before Ritsu narrowed her eyes at Mugi. "It could cost you your own life."
Mugi noticed the hint of sadness in Ritsu's voice. It sounded like she'd lost many friends, many crew-mates during her conquests. She'd seen the treasure with her own two eyes, but what did they cost Ritsu? She wanted to ask, but stopped herself from doing so.
"Do you understand why I didn't want you to come with me?" Ritsu straightened herself out as they sat beside each other by the hearth. "I have many enemies out at sea, just as many pirates as there are Redcoats. I've lost many times, been imprisoned, gravely injured, and have almost died all because of what I am." Ritsu paused to take a breath. "I don't care what happens to me, but if anything were to happen to you..." In the radiant light, Ritsu pressed her forehead against Mugi's. "I don't think I can live with myself."
Mugi ducked her head for a brief, sweet kiss. "Ritsu, you aren't going to lose me." Mugi cupped both of the brunette's cheeks with her hands. "What makes you think you will?"
Mugi took Ritsu's hand in her own, and when she looked up she saw the pale ghost of pain pass across her eyes.
"Because it's already happened to me before."
The Pirate - Three years ago
Ritsu walked on board a ship, her wrists bound behind her back tightly as she was escorted up the flight of stairs that led to the deck. Along the way from her cell where she was kept prisoner, she'd taken a good look at her surroundings and cursed her luck. She was captured by pirates.
As Ritsu reached the top of the stairs, she winced at the brightness of the sun. She wasn't sure how long they kept her locked up, but it felt like it had been a long while. When she paused to readjust to the lighting, the pirate escorting her pushed her forward, nearly forcing her to stumble to the ground. "Keep moving," he said in a low but threatening voice. Ritsu did as she was told until she made it to the top. She took another glance at the ship, where its crew busily tended to their jobs.
"Ritsu, so glad you could join us."
Ritsu followed the sound of the voice and stepped back to watch the Captain of the ship descend from the helm. He had a black feathered hat, an equally black coat, two pistols and a large, sharp cutlass by his side. In terms of age, he seemed slightly older than her, taller and more menacing with long, jet black hair and kohl around his eye. The most distinguishable feature though would've had to be his eye-patch on his left side.
"It's Captain Ritsu now," she answered back with a witty grin.
"Aye, is that so?" He raised an eyebrow and paced around her, looking her up and down.
Ritsu tried pulling at the rope behind her back, but it was no use, they did a pretty good job tying her up. "Don't believe me?"
"Oh, I do." He stopped to stand across from her, meeting Ritsu's eyes. Compared to hers, his was an icy blue.
"What do you want from me Teague?"
"What do I want?" He stopped to think about it for a second, long enough to have Ritsu dogging him with her eyes. "If I answer your question I guarantee you wouldn't like it."
Ritsu looked down at the wooden floor. She knew who he was. And it was that very thought that frightened her. When she looked up, a sharp sting struck her face and she fell to the floor, spitting out the blood that had caught in her mouth.
The entire crew went quiet as they watched attentively. Ritsu remained on the floor and tried to steady herself to her feet. But it was much harder than she thought with her hands tied to her back.
Captain Teague took her by the chin with one hand, raising her head to meet his face. "You can't give me what I want," he said before shoving her back down.
Ritsu swallowed hard and licked the blood off her lips. She knew she was in deep trouble now.
"You know, when you left me on that island I can't say I wasn't completely surprised." He took one of the pistols from his chest and began loading its ammunition, all the while having his back facing Ritsu. "I helped you find those chalices and in the end, that was how you repaid me." He ran his finger along his pistol. "By betraying me."
Ritsu steadied herself on one knee and found her balance to stand. The ship wasn't moving and they seemed to have reached a very small island.
"Because of you, I was captured by those bloody Redcoats." His voice was coated with bitterness and frustration. Ritsu could only listen quietly. "But oddly enough they didn't kill me," he said with a wicked smile. He just about finished prepping his pistol when he turned around to face Ritsu. "However, they did punish me." He closed the distance between Ritsu and him and his smile faded away. She studied the anguish on his face and knew just what he had lost.
"They took my eye. I lost something that day, a part of me that I can never get back."
Ritsu dropped her head and observed the pistol in his hand. He was going to kill her. "But you're still alive. Why did they let you live?" She decided to ask a few questions of her own to escape her eminent death.
"Those Redcoats know talent when they see it. I knew places they could've claimed for themselves. They gave me my own ship and crew and offered me a position as privateer. Though we both know in the end, that didn't work too well."
Ritsu calmed herself and during his monologue tried to find a way out. There had to be one. "So you're going to kill me?"
Captain Teague lifted the pistol in his hand and aimed it at Ritsu's head. But just before he would shoot, he stopped himself and drew back. "No, death would be too kind. I want you to suffer just as much as I did. I want you to know what it means to lose something you love." He looked past Ritsu and motioned his hand to his crew. "Bring them out."
Them? Ritsu asked herself. She waited anxiously as two people were brought out from his quarters with burlap sacks over their heads. Ritsu swallowed hard and realized the two were bound by rope behind their backs as well. When their keepers removed the bags over their heads, Ritsu's heart dropped to her feet. She struggled with her arms behind her back and tried to meet the two people until one of the burly men behind was forced restrain her.
"Yui!" Ritsu shouted out with worry and concern in her voice. "Megumi!" It was enough to gather their attention as they slowly came to realize what had happened.
"Captain?" Yui asked as she squinted her eyes.
"Ritsu?" The other girl called out as she had fully adjusted to the lighting.
"Well, now that we're all here we can finally begin." Captain Teague walked over to where the two girls stood and observed them closely. "Nice to see you again Yui." He greeted her with a wicked glint in his eye as the brunette looked away. He walked over to the other girl who he wasn't too familiar with. "And you, you're new." He looked back at Ritsu then to the girl. "Looks like you've been busy recruiting." He took a moment to study her appearance, long, light brown hair with bangs swayed to her left. She had remarkably dark eyes that bore right back at him. She didn't seem the least bit scared despite his intimidating presence. "And just what is your position in Ritsu's crew?"
When she decided not to respond, he lifted her chin rather hard. "Map maker," she finally said with confidence.
He pulled away and ran a single finger along her pretty little face. "Ritsu never really was good at navigation." He watched her retort with disgust at the mere touch of his hand. Ritsu grit her teeth and clenched her jaw tightly. "You must spend a lot of time with her." Megumi glared back at him fiercely, but for a split second it waned as she tried to meet Ritsu's eyes from the distance that separated them. The opening was more than enough to convince Captain Teague that she was more than just Ritsu's map maker.
"Interesting," he said as he stepped back, amused by his discovery.
"Don't you dare hurt either of them! It's me you want Teague, take me instead!"
He motioned his underlings to bring the girls right across from Ritsu and forced Yui and Megumi to kneel. "I'm going to give you a choice," he said and stood between Ritsu, Yui and Megumi. "You choose one of these girls to live while the other will die by my hand."
Ritsu's mouth slackened, but she picked it up just as quickly. "Don't do this!"
He ignored her pathetic plea and aimed his pistol at Yui then to Megumi. "I wonder who you'll choose. Your beloved first mate or your new, map making lover."
"Teague!"
"I'm going to give you five seconds. If you can't decided by the time I finish, I'll make the decision myself."
"Don't-"
"One."
"Please!"
"Two."
Yui and Megumi looked at each other worriedly. "Three."
"Please," Ritsu fell to her knees and begged harder. Tears tried to form in her eyes but she forced them down.
"Four."
Ritsu stared back at Yui who tried to give her a small smile, perhaps to assure her that it would be okay, even if she knew it wasn't. She broke the contact and switched over to Megumi who tried to reassure her with her eyes. Torn between two of her most beloved crew mates she couldn't force herself to choose. How could she? They were both very dear to her, and she cared for them equally. Ritsu closed her eyes and tried to speak a name, but it were as if she'd lost control of her own tongue. She couldn't decide, couldn't bring herself to make such a heartbreaking decision.
So when he finally counted to five and cocked back his pistol, fate had chosen for her.
Ritsu opened her eyes and looked up at the ceiling of her tent. She turned to her side to find Mugi fast asleep beside her. Good, she thought. For a second she was afraid she'd wake up alone. Ritsu leaned on her side and rested her head on her arm. In the silence of night she watched Mugi breathe while the sounds of birds chirping and insects buzzing echoed outside. She took a moment to caress the side of Mugi's face gently, brushing back some of her pale blonde hair away from her cheek. Even in the darkness she could imagine what she looked like; her hair scattered over the sheets, long eyelashes resting on her face, lips pink, plump and slightly parted. Before she knew it, Ritsu had memorized it by heart, engraved it deep in her mind. In the next breath Mugi took, her eyes fluttered open meeting Ritsu's sleepily in the darkness. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," Ritsu said as she smiled.
Mugi touched the side of Ritsu's cheek with the pad of her thumb. "It's fine."
"Are you still sleepy?" Ritsu asked as she dropped her hands to Mugi's clothed shoulder.
"No," she said, her voice low and even.
"Good," Ritsu's eyes flashed with a hint of mischief before pulling her in for a kiss. "Then put on your boots. "
"Why?" Mugi asked as she raised an eyebrow curiously.
Ritsu gave her another kiss before retreating back to her side. "Because I want to show you something."
Mugi held up the lantern, illuminating the path as she and Ritsu walked hand in hand into the jungle. She asked where they were going many times, but she only ever got the same response - you'll see it when you get there. Mugi lifted the lantern in her hand higher, eyes scanning the few feet ahead of them. "Is it much farther?"
Ritsu followed the path and casually glanced at Mugi. They'd been walking for at least a mile now. "No, we're almost there." She released her hand as they both heard the distinct sound of rushing water. Ritsu took the lead and parted the last few leaves that concealed the surprise she took her to see.
Mugi lowered the lantern as Ritsu reached out and took her by the hand, guiding her safely to the edge of the rock they were standing on. To her left was a small waterfall that pooled into a body of fresh, sparkling water. Surrounded by the massive jungle it was an easy place to miss, but the ones lucky enough to find it were rewarded with the beauty of its peaceful scenery. As they stood on the edge of the rock, Mugi set the lantern aside and sidled up to Ritsu.
"This is beautiful," she said, watching the fireflies dance below the water. A few water lilies floated by the side of the lake while across were some boulders and rocks. She'd never seen anything quite like it.
"I know," Ritsu said as she stepped behind Mugi and encircled her in her arms. She rested her chin right on her shoulder as they both took in the magnificent view. "I wanted to show you this place earlier, but I figured it would look much better with the moon out."
In the darkness of the jungle it was nearly impossible to see anything, but here by the waterfall and lake, the moon shone over it perfectly, casting a magical glow over it. Ritsu smiled into Mugi's neck before detangling her arms from her waist. Without another notice she began stripping herself of her clothes. "What are you doing?" Mugi asked as she watched Ritsu shed her silk tweed frock, black vest and linen shirt.
"What else?" She replied with a grin and began removing her boots. "We're going to swim. I didn't bring you here just to admire the scenery." Ritsu walked over to the edge and slipped out of her pants, oblivious to the fact that behind her stood Mugi with her face flushed to the brim. Of course she'd seen her undress countless times before, but never in public or outdoors.
With Ritsu's back facing her, Mugi couldn't help but stare at her lean, taut figure as she stretched her arms out to her sides. Her body was even more broad and strong than her clothes had hinted at. Mugi's eyes fell appreciatively to every inch of Ritsu, admiring the fact that revealed she had a swimmer's build. The moonlight flickered over her skin, throwing every line and angle into sharp relief as she took a few steps forward to the edge of the stoney cliff. Mugi suddenly felt uncertain at the prospect of seeing all of her so clearly.
Ritsu looked down below and took a deep breath, eyes widening before jumping off the ledge and diving straight into the water. Mugi rushed to the end, catching the sight of Ritsu's graceful form plunge deep into the pool. The water splashed white and bubbles floated upwards to the surface. For a nearly a minute all went still and quiet.
"Ritsu?" Mugi called with concern in her voice. She searched the light ripples of water and held a hand to her chest.
Ritsu's head emerged from the pool in the next second, shaking her brown wet hair side to side. She swam in a spirited circle and pulled her hair back revealing her forehead. "Come on!" She said with a grin. Ritsu lifted her hand and motioned for Mugi to join her.
Mugi estimated the length of the cliff to the pool, it was at least a 10 foot dive into the water. She leaned down and watched Ritsu below. There were no signs of any debris or rocks from the jump and by the looks of it, the lake was fairly deep.
"Mugi!" Ritsu cried from underneath, restlessly floating in the water.
"Alright, alright!" Mugi said, laughing as she removed the leather belt across her chest. She'd never done this before, never bathed in an open pool with nothing but her naked body. But nevertheless, Mugi proceeded to undress herself, starting with her boots then pants. Ritsu stopped swimming and revelled in the imagery of Mugi discarding her thin, loose blouse. The moonlight accented every part of her body, from the slope of her breasts, to the dip of her waist, and the flat plane of her stomach. Ritsu swallowed uneasily and sank into the water until only her eyes were visible. It was enough to ease the hammering beat of her heart for now.
Mugi looked down again and took slow, deep breaths. She could do this, she told herself. She'd done it before so this time wouldn't be any different.
Just as Ritsu raised her head from the water, Mugi jumped in, mimicking the same elegant dive she used. Ritsu swam to meet her where she landed just as Mugi came up for air. They smiled at each other in the faint, low light and said nothing for a while. In the silence of night, Mugi couldn't help but feel exposed. Here she was in the middle of a secluded pool, swimming in nothing else but her naked body alone with Ritsu. Her heart raced at the thought of it all, and she wondered if anyone else would catch them.
"You okay?" Ritsu swam closer, sensing the mild uncertainty in Mugi's eyes.
"Just a little worried," she admitted.
"Worried?" Ritsu raised any eyebrow.
Mugi remained quiet and looked around her.
"Are you worried we'll get caught being together? Or is it because you're scared of the animals that live in the jungle? Because if it concerns either of these, you shouldn't fret. Our camp is at least a mile away from here and the animals..." She looked back at the jungle. "The most you'll see is a wild boar drinking water at this time of night."
Mugi wrapped her arms around Ritsu's neck, suddenly feeling a little bit more comfortable. "You're right. It's just, I've never done this before."
Ritsu looked deep into her eyes. "Gone night swimming?" She guessed.
Mugi nodded. "And in the nude," she whispered into her ear.
Ritsu blushed and glanced down at the space between them. The water was too dark to make out the fleshy tones of their bodies, but she could still feel Mugi's breasts pressing to her chest. "Well, there's a first time for everything right?" She whispered into Mugi's ear.
Mugi giggled and agreed with a nod. "I suppose so." She loosened her arms around Ritsu's neck until they were facing each other. "I want to try something with you."
Ritsu allowed one of her charming grins to flit across her mouth.
Mugi sealed the distance between them with a kiss. "This, but underwater."
"An underwater kiss?" Ritsu said as her eyes were glued to Mugi's lips.
"Yes," she said and began advancing towards the brunette. Ritsu willingly gave herself into the kiss, slowly and gently until they sank into the water together. Mugi held her breath and closed her eyes, her hands holding onto Ritsu's shoulders for support. In the cold shimmering water, she could only feel warm, familiar lips against her own. It wasn't until she felt Ritsu give her some air that she realized she'd taken too little oxygen prior to submerging herself into the kiss. When they regrouped at the top, Mugi swam up first and took deep breaths.
Ritsu lifted her head from the water and ran a hand through her wet, slick hair. She swam over to Mugi and helped her part her bangs from her eyes. "How was that?"
"Amazing," Mugi replied with a smile.
"Yeah, I thought so too," Ritsu said as she placed a brief kiss on Mugi's cheek. "And if it makes you feel any better, that was my first underwater kiss."
"Really?"
"Yes, well, I did think about it for a while. But never really tried it until tonight. I'm glad it was with you." Mugi watched Ritsu float on her back, circling around her casually.
"So, what next?" Ritsu asked as she lingered right behind Mugi. It sent shivers down her spine, rendering her speechless for a brief moment.
"How about a race?" She didn't know what had moved her to suggest an idea, but she figured it wouldn't hurt to try.
"Is that a challenge?"
"Are you accepting?"
Ritsu swam close behind and nibbled on the shell of Mugi's ear. "Well I'm certainly not one to decline."
Mugi sighed with pleasure and faced Ritsu. "Very well." Together they looked out at the pool of water while Mugi calculated how far they would swim. "There," she said, pointing at one of the smaller rocks beside the running waterfall. It was about a 50 meter swim to the end.
Ritsu backed away so that she would have enough room for herself. "Let's see just how well the heiress can swim," she said while flashing Mugi a wink. "I'll give you the honor of counting down."
"And let's agree that the winner will have the right to top tonight."
Ritsu raised an eyebrow. Mugi certainly had a way of spicing up even the simplest of competitions. "In that case, I won't go easy on you."
"Good, just the way I like it." Mugi set her eyes on the goal and said, "Go!"
As expected, Mugi had taken the lead quickly and Ritsu remained right on her tail. But it wasn't until they reached 25 meters in that the tables were beginning to turn. Ritsu took longer strokes, pulling a few feet ahead of her. They neared the last few meters and Mugi was still only a few feet behind. When Ritsu made it to the end she counted only two seconds before Mugi finished. Not bad, she thought.
Together they set one hand on the rocks and faced each other. "I win," Ritsu said triumphantly and slicked her hair back.
"I almost beat you."
"True, but almost isn't good enough. Try again next time." Ritsu moved closer and pushed off her foot. The water around the rocks were surprisingly shallow. "Now what was that wager about topping?" She cornered Mugi against the pile of rocks, making it clear that escape wasn't going to be an option. Mugi smiled, but it was a sensual, knowing smile. "I hope you don't mind if I collect my reward now."
"Well aren't you a little greedy."
"Aye, that be me milady." Ritsu pressed her hips to Mugi revealing the fact that underneath the shallow waters she was already hard. "And if I wasn't so greedy I wouldn't be living up to what I am, a pirate."
"So what does that make me?" Mugi asked and weaved her fingers into Ritsu's wet, damp hair. She loved the feeling of the brunette's hair in her hands.
"My greatest treasure," Ritsu replied and brought her in for a fierce kiss. She brought the back of Mugi's knee in her hand and molded herself right against her entrance. She didn't plan on penetrating her in the water, but she did entertain the thought of taking her in her element.
"Your greatest treasure?" Mugi put a pinch of skepticism in her words.
"Yes, and I've yet to explore every jewel you have to offer." Ritsu smirked against the delicate skin on Mugi's neck and bit down harshly, enough to draw a drop of blood. She ran her hands along Mugi's ass and squeezed it hard, earning a soft moan.
"And my value? How much would you appraise me for?" Mugi teased and ground her hips against Ritsu's cock. She wrapped her arms around Ritsu's shoulders as the brunette slipped her arms under both her knees. With her back on the cold, slippery stone and Ritsu's warm body against her, the two sensations mixed in perfectly. It suddenly made her more aware of her body and their surroundings.
"You don't have a set value. You're worth more than what this whole world can offer."
"Ritsu, you know," Mugi whispered and released one of her hands from her neck. She trailed it right over the water while Ritsu nuzzled her nose against her cheek and ear. "You have a way with words."
"I assure you I'm no poet." Ritsu laughed in pure amusement.
"I doubt that." Mugi felt Ritsu's penis sliding into her by just an inch before slipping back out. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "You don't know what you're doing to me." Her free hand clawed at the back of Ritsu's scalp, taking a fistful of her hair forcefully.
The water alone made it difficult to tell how aroused Mugi was. And Ritsu was growing painfully aware of her own. "You're right, I don't." With all her strength, she removed Mugi's hands from her neck and stepped back into the water. It was by far one of the most difficult things she'd done in her life, but she knew the risks of having intercourse in the water.
Mugi stood for a moment in confusion before coming to a conclusion. Ritsu looked intensely at her from a distance and waded in the pool, her eyes directing her to the light waterfall just behind the rocks. Mugi followed her line of sight and took the hint.
She wanted her to put on a show.
In the low light Ritsu grinned and followed Mugi as she watched her pass the rocks and move towards the waterfall. She swam in small, quiet strokes and observed her every move in the silence of the pool. With Mugi walking in only the nude, she looked beautiful beyond words. Her long, pale blonde hair still soaked from their swim draped her backside reaching all the way to her ass. Ritsu didn't realize how long her hair was but now she made a mental note of it. When Mugi came across the waterfall, there was a concave that allowed her to screen herself behind the rushing water. She held out her hand and walked with it, feeling the steady current pouring down on her fingertips.
Ritsu swam closer, finding it intriguing to see only a glimpse of what Mugi was doing. She kept quiet and watched on, catching the slight push of her hands on her breasts, the way she bit her bottom lip as if to lure her closer. Ritsu's heart was running laps now and all she could do was clench her jaw tightly to prevent herself from swimming to her as fast as she could. She waited patiently for five more minutes, but that was all the time she had. Ritsu took a deep breath and plunged deep into the water, vanishing from Mugi's view.
Mugi stopped and stilled wondering where Ritsu went. She couldn't help but gasp in surprise when the brunette appeared out of nowhere and hoisted herself from the water behind the waterfall. The concave was large enough and it allowed both of them to set foot beneath the rocks together. "You don't know what you do to me," Ritsu repeated huskily and pushed Mugi against the stone wall. She could imagine that her harshness would've hurt her slightly, but aside from a sharp wince Mugi made no complaints.
Ritsu brought her mouth down on Mugi's so hard it surprised her. This was one of those rare moments she'd given into her primal instincts, relying solely on the guidance of her own body. Mugi's arms wrapped around her shoulders, feeling the curve of her shoulder blades and the valley between them. The girl really did have a gifted body.
Ritsu's heart started to beat harder. Never ever had she needed to be inside her more in her life. "Mugi..."
"Fuck me, Ritsu. Now."
Ritsu took herself in her hand and pushed into Mugi. As soon as she'd gone as deep as she could go, Mugi wrapped a leg around her thigh bringing her closer. She thrust hard into her, harder than she thought she could, and a sound escaped Mugi's lips that was so potently erotic she wished she engraved it deep into her memories. Their bodies still slick from swimming made it somewhat pleasurable for the both of them. And Ritsu thought that having Mugi step out earlier proved to be useful. The water had drained most of Mugi's arousal, but with the minutes that passed while she performed, she'd regained a bit of her natural lubricant. Ritsu thrust again just as hard and the sound came again. Mugi bent her head and bit her teeth into her shoulder. It wasn't enough to draw blood, but it was considerable payback for the mark she'd left earlier.
"Wrap your legs around me. I'm going to lift you," Ritsu said between ragged breaths. She didn't seem to reach deep enough for her own satisfaction.
"I'm a lot heavier than I look Ritsu."
"What do you take me for?" Ritsu grinned and nipped from Mugi's neck to her ear. "I may not be as strong as you, but I'm certain I can do that much."
Mugi smiled at Ritsu's comeback and couldn't resist indulging her. She adjusted her arms and clung onto the brunette as she was lifted back against the stone wall. Mugi winced again.
"Sorry love, there's no graceful way in doing this." Ritsu tried to cradle Mugi closer to her.
"I don't mind. I think I like it." Ritsu captured her lips hungrily and thrust into her so hard, so incredibly deep that Mugi nearly cried. She knew now that the position they were in made all the difference in the world. "Ritsu, don't stop."
Ritsu rode Mugi with long driving thrusts. Every motion sent her deeper and deeper until it seemed she pounded into the pit of Mugi's stomach. She closed her eyes and allowed her body to take over. Her lips sought Mugi's while her hips moved by instinct, sliding in and out as quick as she could.
Mugi moaned and panted, feeling the strength of every thrust pierce the depth of her core. She dug her fingernails deep into Ritsu's back, sure that there would be some marks and scars when they would finish. When Ritsu slid out, she pushed her hips forward in pure desperation, wanting and needing every part of her inside.
Ritsu gasped, suddenly feeling Mugi tightening even more around her. God did it feel so good having her so tight. She kept thrusting, willed herself to keep going even if she knew Mugi would come any second. Sounds came out of her, too, grunts and breaths that sounded as though she were in pain. And it was pain. Her arms strained to hold Mugi and her back tensed to keep herself from letting go and coming too soon. But the pain didn't matter. She'd been through so much, more than this; beaten, cut, and nearly bled out. The pain was nothing to her now.
Mugi's moans grew throatier, more strained. Her breath came in short puffs through her grit teeth. Ritsu kissed her mouth, her cheek, the shell of her ear possessively. She never felt so wanted, so needed before. Mugi wrapped one arm around Ritsu's neck while the other clung under the brunette's arm. This wasn't sex anymore, sex to her was slow and amorous. This was something else, Ritsu and her were fucking. And Ritsu fucked her like a starving animal ate.
Mugi flinched as if in pain, even as Ritsu kept driving into her with bruising force. She tightened her muscles again and came with the sweetest cry, her orgasm shaking her entire body.
"Ritsu..." Mugi breathed. But the brunette heard nothing else as her own orgasm exploded out of her and into the blonde heiress. She stayed there for a while longer as Mugi slowly slid down and tentatively set her foot on the ground. Utterly spent, completely emptied, and satisfied, Ritsu leaned against the wall, her forehead resting against the cold, hard stone. She tried to pull out but Mugi held her close, not wanting her to leave at the moment. The warmth of their joined bodies was too intoxicating. Mugi needed her presence like she needed air to breathe.
Ritsu stayed inside and kissed her gently on the cheek, if Mugi wanted her to stay, then she would for as long as she wished.
When Mugi had fallen asleep in the concave, Ritsu had retrieved their clothes and blanketed her coat over her naked body. The sound of running water had a calming effect over both of them as they spent the remainder of the night inside. The moon was still in the sky and the night still as dark as Ritsu put on her clothes and walked into the open.
She'd known this area very well. After all, it was the place she nearly died.
Ritsu bent down to the spot where she'd fallen a few months back and inspected the small pebbles beneath her booths. She took one of the rocks in her hand and stood, passing it between her fingers. She wasn't sure if she'd ever see that same mermaid, but she had to try even if the chances of meeting her again were slim.
With the slight of hand, she threw the flat faced rock into the water and watched it skip several times before it sank. Ritsu looked back at the concave where Mugi slept. There was more to it than just meeting the mermaid that saved her life. She needed her assistance for her next conquest.
Ritsu bent down again, took another one of the rocks and tossed it in her hand. But just as she was about to throw it, the rock she'd thrown a few minutes earlier came back and landed right at her boot. Ritsu immediately took the wet, flat rock and looked out into the pool.
She wasn't alone. Someone was out there.
Ritsu kicked off her boots and began moving towards the pool. She watched the light ripples of water just ahead of her. It had to be a mermaid, she was hoping it was. "How long are you going to hide from me?" Ritsu asked, her voice sounding friendly and familiar. She stopped walking right when the water was at her calves. Getting too close might not be the best option, it would only spook whatever was out there.
She waited for a second until that second passed into a minute. Nothing else came, no reply, no sound, nothing. Disappointed, Ritsu sighed and lowered her eyes and watched her reflection in the water. Her hair was pulled back when it had dried and her red bandana covered the width of her forehead. She blinked once until her reflection blurred and the ripples came back.
When she looked up she found a pair of stormy grey eyes staring back at her from a distance. Ritsu's heart sped up and she swallowed the lump in her throat that had begun to grow from excitement. She recognized her matching raven hair that came with those dark, warning eyes. It was the very face that had saved her when she was on the verge of death.
"It's you," Ritsu said quietly with a grin. "Mio."
A/N: It's always a pleasure to wake up and know that this story has received the support it's needed to push forward quickly. Thanks so much for the reviews you guys left. It's always a bit of a gamble when I decide to write something that's out of my comfort zone more so if it goes into a new genre that I'm not quite used to.