------------DISCLAIMER------------

I realize I haven't been putting these into my chapters lately, but I figured it's pretty obvious that I don't own anything.

------------REVIEWERS------------

KoumiLoccness: It's got Michi, but Wonderland is Koumi. I'm going to start writing it again soon. There's only two chapters on it. And I agree. I won't read Taiora. Some of them sound good until I see that it's Tai and Sora lol.

aiSlove: I'm introducing Joe's past in this chapter, along with some more couples involvement!

Neon765: I'm so glad! I really like this story, and I'm glad you are getting excited about it!

SailorStarSaturn: Thanks. I like who Ken is turning out to be too!

------------STUFFS------------

Avenger - most feared ship that ever set sail with the most gruesome pirates ever to sail the seven seas. Arg. Yamato's father left it to him when he was a young lad.

Joel - 62 years old, Sora's "Papa", Avenger's Cook for as long as it's been in business—6 years.

Sora - 21 years old, Newest Slave Girl on the Avenger.

Mimi - 20 years old, Avenger's slave girl for 5 years.

Yolei - 19 years old, Avenger's slave girl for 4 years.

Kari - Tai's little sister, 18 years old, passenger on the Avenger for 5.5 years.

Yamato - 21 years old, Captain of the Avenger.

Taichi - 21 years old, First Mate of the Avenger, Yamato's best friend, been on the Avenger as long as the captain.

Izzy - 20 years old, most skilled Navigator, Navigator of the Avenger for 4 years.

Joe - 22 years old, most skilled doctor, Doctor of the Avenger for 3.5 years.

T.K. - 18 years old, Yamato's younger brother, cabin boy been on the Avenger as long as the captain has.

Davis - 18 years old, cabin boy, been with the Avenger as long as the captain.

Ken - 18 years old, cabin boy, been with the Avenger as long as the captain.

Cody - 16 years old, cabin boy, Junior Navigator, been with the Avenger as long as Izzy.

------------RECAP------------

Yamato put his hand on Cody's shoulder. Ken was mixing a concoction to put on Izzy's wound. He had been shot three times in the side and lost a lot of blood. After what seemed like hours, Joe wiped sweat from his brow, handed the three bullets to Ken, sighed, and looked at Cody

"He'll be fine. He's stable. He just needs plenty of rest. Can you watch him for me?"

Cody nodded, looking sick.

------------JOE'S ROOM------------

Joe was sitting in his room with his head in his hands. He was used to mending wounds of all severity for the crew. He was used to mending minor wounds for Yamato, Tai, Davis, Ken, T.K., Cody, and Izzy, but he was not used to having to save one of their lives. The stress and pressure to succeed was even higher with a close friend.

He remembered his first day on the Avenger like it was yesterday. He was the last to join the elite crew. He was unsure how he would fit in on this dangerous ship, but Yamato had made it sound so friendly. He was therefore shocked when he first stepped on the ship's deck.

FLASHBACK

A young man was sitting with his head in his hands. He had just saved the mayor's daughter from a new disease. At the age of 18, he was the town's main doctor. He had never lost a patient, but he had just come close. His fame had reached other towns as well. No one knew how far his name had spread, but it had spread far and wide. Maybe that's why the Avenger came to their town.

Joe looked up when he heard a knock on the door. He sighed and crossed the room.

"How may I help you?" he asked through the closed door.

"I hear you're the best doctor around. I need your help."

Joe opened the door to see a handsome young blonde man. He was clearly worried. Joe looked passed him and saw two men supporting a third. The third was bleeding profusely.

"Bring him in here, quickly. Put him on the table."

The two men supporting the third looked like they were struggling with him. Joe and the blonde helped lift the bleeding man onto the table.

"What happened to him?"

"We were attacked in the town. My first mate stepped in front of a bullet to save my life. Please, can you help him?"

Joe looked from the blonde, his pleading eyes, to the man on the table. He looked at the two younger boys who had carried the man in.

"You, I need to you help me get his shirt off. We will use it to staunch the bleeding. You, go to my cabinet and get these things."

Joe handed him a small list of items and the boy went to the cabinet.

"What are your names?" Joe disliked pirates, but he had a kind soul so he was going to save this man.

"I'm sorry, I have forgotten my manners. I am Captain Yamato Ishida of the Avenger. The man on your table is my first mate, Taichi Kamiya. These are two of my cabin boys and close friends, Davis Motomiya and Ken Ichijouji."

"I am Joe Kido."

Ken came back with the herbs and bandages Joe requested and Davis held the shirt tight to Tai's body. Joe took a long silver tool out of his bag, dipped it in a bowl of liquid, and carefully started to extract the bullet. About thirty minutes later, Joe wiped his forehead and let them know Tai would be okay.

"He was lucky. The bullet missed his lungs. All it did was pierce the shoulder, and I'm sure it hurt. He's lost a decent amount of blood though."

"You hear that Tai," Yamato asked as Tai started to groan, "It's just a flesh wound!"

Everyone laughed. Yamato looked at Joe.

"I get the impression you do not favor pirates. I would, however, ask you if you would like to join me and my crew. We are in desperate need of a doctor, and you seem to be the best."

"I am honored by your proposal, but I do not think I can accept it."

"May I inquire as to why?"

"Certainly. I've never left land, or this town for that matter."

"Ha! Well then, please, accompany me to my ship so you can step foot off land. Then you will be able to make a more informed decision. Do not fear," Yamato added, "I will not kidnap or harm you."

Joe agreed, for who could argue with the logic? This Yamato seemed an honorable man. HowHoweHoHowever, after stepping on the boat and feeling the small waves jostle it up and down, he knew that it was not what he ever wanted to do.

"I thank you for the opportunity, but I think not." He looked a little green.

"Davis and Ken, please escort Joe back to his house. I am sorry I could not convince you. Thank you for your help."

Yamato tossed a pouch of gold towards Joe. He looked stunned.

"Sir, I-I-I cannot accept such a-a generous-"

Yamato laughed, "Please, do accept it and go in peace. Thank you again."

However, when Joe, Ken, and Davis reached Joe's house, they found it ransacked. His parents and older brother were murdered at the kitchen table. A note was left by his brother's hand. Joe dropped to his knees as Davis reached for the note.

"'Joe Kido, you will join our crew or you will suffer the fate of your family. We will return.' Who on earth would have left this?"

Ken drew his sword and turned to face the door. Joe was sobbing on his knees. Davis dragged him behind the table and drew his sword as well. There was a noise outside.

"I t'ink he's back. Let's go check it eh?"

Five men burst into the room; all of them were missing teeth and were in terrible need of a bath. They saw Ken and Davis standing, swords drawn, in front of the grieving doctor. A confused moment of silence passed then the five men attacked. With four slashes from each Ken and Davis, the five men lay slain.

"Joe, you have a choice to make. You can come back with us to the Avenger where you will forever be safe, or stay here. Make your choice!"

Joe looked at Ken with tears in his eyes. Suddenly, he saw fire outside his house. There was a man burning his house down with them inside!

In a grievous rage, Joe stood up and charged forward. He ran past Davis and Ken, over the slain men, and out of the door. He tackled the man burning his family's house. Ken and Davis ran outside as twenty men rushed towards Joe. Then ten of them fell as they ran past an alley. Yamato and Tai were coming to their aid.

"I saw another ship docked. I've never heard of them, but they looked murderous. We came after you. Are you okay?"

"Matt, his family is slain. The pirates want Joe. I gave him a choice."

While Ken and Matt were talking, they were defending the doctor and fighting off the attacking pirates. Soon, the four men of the Avenger had laid the men low and picked up Joe.

"My offer still stands," said Yamato.

"It seems I have no choice. What of my town?"

"It will be safe. My crew is taking care of the other pirate ship and they will not bother your town again. We are leaving survivors to tell the world that the famous doctor, Joe Kido, was slain with the rest of his family. No one will be looking for you anymore."

Joe looked at his house as it burned to the ground, "How did you hear of me?"

"Talk spreads in Lorluga."

Joe's face whitened. "More pirates will be coming?"

"Not once they think you're dead."

" Captain Yamato Ishida, I choose to accept your generous offer."

"Great, let's go!"

END FLASHBACK

Joe sighed again. He was glad his best friend was safe. Izzy and Cody had become best friends with Joe after he came aboard. He found out they had joined the crew six months before him after the Avenger's first Navigator was slain. He knew though, that Cody would need some time to recover. He had lost everyone in his pre-Avenger life save for Izzy and he had just come close to losing him too. While Cody had become close with the Captain and his closest friends, Cody would never have gotten over the loss of Izzy.

------------HELL HOLE------------

Mimi had been upset all day. Nothing Sora or Yolei could do would calm her. Even the rocking of the ship would not calm her. The ship had set sail a few hours previous. Unable to think of anything else, Sora decided to start singing since she knew how fond Mimi was of her voice.

"Sing to me the song of stars, of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again. When it feels like my dreams are so far, sing to me of the plans that you have for me over and over again."

Sora had her hand on Mimi's shoulder. Mimi looked at her in surprise.

"So I lay my head back down and I lift my hands and pray to be only yours."

Mimi joined in.

"I pray to be only yours. I know now, you're my only hope."

Sora and Mimi both stopped singing as Yolei clapped for the two of them.

"Sora, I never knew anyone knew that song!"

"I figured everyone knew that song," Sora shrugged.

"I wish I could sing. I'm not very good. I sound like a cat that had its tail stepped on."

All three girls laughed.

"I'm sure it can't be that bad Yolei," Sora urged.

"I give you my destinyyy; I'm giving you all of meee. I want your symphonyyy singing in all that I aaam at the top of my luuuuuuuuungs!"

"Okay, it could be that bad."

The three girls laughed again. Sora stopped immediately and looked at the door. Mimi and Yolei ceased their laughter as well. Sora had uncommonly sharp hearing. Sure enough, a shuffling sound was made outside and a knock was heard on the door.

"So good of you to finally announce yourself," Sora said, not bothering to hide her sarcasm.

The door swung open and Tai stood in the frame.

"I came to tell you that Kari is okay. I also wanted to check on you three."

"We're glad Kari's okay and that's really nice of you Tai."

Tai looked at Yolei, stunned. If she had said more than "Yes, sir" or "Yes, Tai" in the four years she had been on this ship, he'd eat his shoe.

"You might want to go see Joe. You've got a cut on your forehead. It looks pretty nasty."

She stood up and started to leave.

"Actually, go see Ken. Joe's had a tough day. Ken should be able to fix that cut."

She smiled at Tai as she passed by, thanked him, and left. Tai turned back to face Sora and Mimi.

"The Captain would like to speak with you."

"I'm not surprised. Do I need an escort or can I walk there myself?"

"I was to escort you."

"Fine," said Sora as Tai led her out of the room

------------KEN'S ROOM------------

"That looks pretty nasty, Yolei."

"It hurts a little. I got hit in the confusion when Sora and Cody attacked the men holding us."

"I'll fix it no problem. It may sting a little."

As he pressed a damp cloth to her forehead, she let out a small gasp. Ken smiled reassuringly and reapplied the cloth. He was so gentle, it startled Yolei.

"You were really brave you know."

Ken looked taken aback, "I was just doing my job, miss."

Yolei blushed and turned her head away quickly. Ken, thinking she had been stung by the medicine again quickly apologized. After reassuring him she was okay, Ken started to dry the wound.

"You really are amazing. You speak so many languages, you have amazing negotiation tactics, and you're very witty."

'What am I saying?! Oh my goodness, I could be beaten for this! Sor and Meems said I had feelings for Ken, but I don't know. Is this what love feels like? Or is it because he's always been so kind?'

When Yolei looked at Ken again, she noticed she wasn't the only one blushing. As Ken tried wiping her wound again, he dropped the cloth. They both reached down for it and bumped heads.

"Ouch!" they both exclaimed.

They both laughed and tried to reach for the cloth again. After playfully going back and forth with "you get it" "no you" Ken finally picked it up. When he sat back up, he looked into her smiling face. The next thing anyone knew, Ken had leaned over and kissed her on the lips. It was quick and innocent, but it left both of them blushing. Little did they know what that kiss had started.

------------TAI'S ROOM------------

"Mimi, are you well?"

She nodded her head.

"Sora says otherwise. While I don't care for her, I do believe she is correct."

She shook her head, but he noticed she had tears in her eyes. He put his hand under her chin and gently lifted her head. She was surprised, but he wiped away her tears before they fell. She recoiled as his hands ran across her cheek.

"What's wrong? You know I don't like seeing you like this."

"You—" her voice was so quiet she could've been using all of her energy to speak. Tai understood instantly.

"Kari is my sister. I protect the women I love at all costs."

Mimi looked at Tai with her mouth slightly open. He couldn't tell if she was shocked, scared, or disgusted anymore. All he knew was that he couldn't stand for Matt's rule much longer.

"I will do whatever it takes to keep my sister and you safe."

"What about the Captain?"

"We are all bound to the Code. It forbids slaves to love and marry. It forbids pirates from joining themselves with slaves. Matt has special rules about love. He added extra restrictions which makes his ship different than the others. No woman will ever get raped or abused on this ship. He had good intentions. It's just, you can't stop love."

With that, Tai grabbed Mimi by the waist, dipped her to the side, and kissed her with every ounce of love he could muster. She wrapped her arm around his neck and allowed him to carry her to his bed, truly happy for the first time in months.

------------YAMATO'S ROOM------------

"Where on earth did you learn to fight like that?"

Sora sat with her legs and arms crossed in one of the Captain's chairs. She was staring at the wall and remained silent.

"Why must you always be so stubborn?"

A smiled played with the corners of her mouth. She really liked tormenting the Captain.

"I could teach you more, if you'd like to learn more of the skill."

She fully faced him this time, eyes wide. He was moving the desk and a few chairs against the walls of his chambers. He walked behind her, grabbed the chair she was sitting in, and pulled it backwards with her still seated. She stood up as soon as he had finished pulling her and he walked to a cabinet. He grabbed a sword and tossed it to her. He drew his own and faced her.

"Show me what you know."

She felt the sword and swung it a few times to get the feel of the blade. When she was satisfied she lunged at the Captain. His years of fighting and experience allowed him to be prepared as soon as she took the sword in her hand. The blades crashed and clanged as they danced around each other. It was expected that Yamato be one of the best swordsmen alive, but he was completely thrown by her skill. It did not match his by any stretch of the imagination, but she knew how to handle a blade. They twirled and parried, lunged and blocked for a long stretch of time. Sora got lucky, and Yamato didn't fully block her swing in time. She cut his chest slightly, enough to rip the shirt, but not enough to make him seriously bleed. They stopped momentarily while he examined the damage.

"Not bad," but now he wasn't holding back at all anymore. Within ten more minutes, he had disarmed her. He held his sword to her throat and backed her against a wall. Her sword lay useless on the floor ten feet away.

"Do you surrender?" He asked with some amusement.

"Never." She replied sternly.

"Shame," Yamato remarked as he sheathed his sword.

She looked at him stunned for a moment. As she made to leave, he grabbed her from behind and pulled her close to him. He put his face next to hers and he rested his chin on her shoulders.

"You ripped my shirt. I'll make you pay for that."

His voice was husky in her ear and sent shivers down her spine. She tried to focus all of her energy on hate, but couldn't manage it. He was rubbing his chin on her face, his stubble tickling her as he continued. She couldn't help it: she laughed. It was music to Yamato's ears. He turned her to face him, and kept one hand around her waist. His other hand ran up and down her back, shoulder, and arm. He intertwined her fingers with his as he raised their hands to his face. He started to kiss the back of her hand. She tried to pull her whole body away, but he held her tightly. His lips traveled from her hand, up her arm, across her shoulder, and to her neck. He gently started kissing her neck as he wrapped her arm around him. His other arm found its way around her slender frame as he pulled her closer. He started to slowly attack her neck and she shivered as she started to give in. Her knees were giving way, but Yamato held her upright. When he sensed she could no longer stand on her own, he smiled into her neck then picked her up and carried her to his bed. He lay her down gently and climbed on top of her. He started to kiss her neck again slowly and he made his way to the other side of her body. First he kissed her shoulder, then down her arm, and finally her hand. He stopped and intertwined both of his hands with hers then slowly raised them over her head. He started kissing down her arms again until he reached her sides. He kissed her left side, crossed over her bare stomach, kissed up her right side, came back to her neck and continued kissing her there. He moved his attack up to her cheeks, over her forehead and down the other cheek. He kissed her chin, her nose, and her forehead. Here breathing had increased so rapidly, she thought her heart would soon pound its way out of her chest. As Yamato dove for her neck again, she reached up and grabbed his ear with her teeth. She slowly started to nibble and pull on it, catching him completely off guard. He started to shiver from her attack. She wound her legs around his as he laid his body on top of hers. As soon as Yamato could pull his ear away, he looked down on her with a smirk on his face. They were both breathing heavily as the tension increased. Slowly, he moved his face towards her, preparing to kiss her lips. Right when they were about to make contact, a knock disturbed their activities.

"Matt, it's Davis. Izzy's up and he wants to see you."