------------AUTHOR NOTES------------
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.
Sorry for the late update. I was moving, but I'm back now. I've introduced everyone's background so now it's to the point where I'm trying to get the plot moving forward. Bear with me in the meantime!
I realize in Chapter 7 I said it was the 18th of April, then the next two chapters it was the 5th of April. That's my mistake. So, we are going to say everything that happened Chapter 7 through Chapter 9 was on the 18th of April, not the 5th. Thanks.
P.S. Why have Sorato writers become an endangered species?
------------REVIEWERS------------
The-name's-AI: Yes, the pirates that terrorized Joe and his town are dead. Ha ha I was listening to that song at the time and just decided to use it for a lack of a better idea. Well, they are heading out to sea and we know how dangerous that can be ;] I'll try to explain more in future chapters as well! I'm glad you ask lots of questions! You help steer my chapters sometimes.
Neon765: Yeah, Davis has a nasty habit of bad timing but…ha ha. Now, all of the characters' backgrounds are in the open! Thanks for the compliment! =]
MARI: I've been having so many ideas for my story "Wonderland" that I've neglected the other two I'm updating. Sorry for the wait! Hope you enjoy!
Digilalalalalove Hope this satisfies your curiousity!
------------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.
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------------
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."
------------IZZY'S ROOM------------
"Izzy!" Matt burst into the room, followed by Davis.
Izzy was sitting upright in his bed eating something out of a bowl. Cody was perched on the right side of Izzy, Joe was in a corner checking supplies, and Joel was setting another bowl down on Izzy's left. Matt strode over to the foot of Izzy's bed.
"How are you feeling?"
"Prodigiously better. Between Joe's medicine and Joel's food, I feel I can be back to work in a matter of hours."
Matt laughed, "Take the recovery time Joe recommends and any you need. You're the best navigator we ever had and I'm going to need you soon. Cody can take over until your better."
Cody looked astonished at Matt.
"He's right, Cody. You're a good navigator and you can take over for a couple of days," Izzy smiled reassuringly, "I'm always here if you need any help as well."
"Joel, on your way out, would you tell Tai, Ken, and T.K. to come down here."
"Aye aye Cap'ain," Joel bowed his head as he exited the room.
A disgruntled Tai, T.K., and Ken walked into the room moments later. Matt raised a quizzical eyebrow, but chose not to ask.
"Okay everyone. Tomorrow we really need to get going. We're heading out to sea for a while. Today was our last chance for land for at least a month and clearly it wasn't as relaxing as I had hoped. It's been a long day, but again, it's April 18th. We are heading towards open waters and you know the rumors. We need to be on alert at all times. Rest well tonight men for we're going to need it before long."
Everyone nodded. Joe and Ken helped Izzy lay down in his bed and everyone left the room. Ken, Davis, T.K., and Cody shared quarters. Luckily, they didn't mind sharing quarters. As everyone left Izzy's room, the four youngest walked across the hall to their room. Everyone else turned left. Had they turned right, they would've passed three empty rooms then gone down stairs to lower decks where the rest of the crew slept. The room next to Izzy's was Joe's. Joe bade everyone goodnight and turned left. Kari's room was across from Joe's and between the cabin boy's room and Tai's room. Tai walked past Kari's room, since she had been asleep for a while, and turned right into his room. T.K's room was across from Tai's and next to Joe's, but it was still destroyed so no one entered. Yamato looked back as everyone closed their doors. Tai and the Navigation's rooms were first in the hall, then Kari and Joe's, then the boy's and Izzy's. Each had sizable rooms so the hall was a decent length. Yamato smiled as he closed the door and walked onto the deck. He pulled out a small silver rectangular object as he walked to the railing on the starboard side. He had insisted they go a little ways out to sea for the night—less chance of being attacked from land if there was no land nearby. He leaned on the railing and placed the silver object to his lips and blew. The most extraordinary noise filled the air. It was a sound of longing and pain.
Unknown to Matt, a figure was creeping across the deck with a sword pointed towards him. The figure reached the Captain and placed the sword to his neck. Matt stopped playing and looked slightly amused. A small laugh escaped his lips. He placed the harmonica back in his pocket and held his hands up in surrender. He turned slowly to face his assailant. Fiery eyes stared back at him and her red hair blew gently around her face in the night breeze.
"You caught me. Now what will you do with me," Matt asked clearly amused.
Sora, angry he wasn't taking it seriously pushed the sword farther into his neck and whispered, "Draw your sword if you know what's good for you."
"I suggest we do this in my room. You know that slaves aren't allowed weapons."
"I'm no slave!"
"You are my property, bought and paid for. You know the Code."
"It's bullshit is what it is," Sora hissed.
In her moment of anger, her guard lowered. Matt seized the opportunity and grabbed her sword arm. He took the sword from her and dragged her to his quarters. He threw her inside and locked the door. He tossed the sword back to her and drew his own. Sora breathed heavily as she caught the sword effortlessly. Anger coursed through her veins and hatred filled her eyes. Matt was momentarily startled.
"Why this treatment? Only hours ago you were—"
"Ahhh!"
Sora lunged at him with all her strength. Matt blocked the blow just in time but was forced to take a step back. He pushed her backwards and charged. Their swords clashed and clanged. "Why is she so angry? Unless… Could it be because of what happened earlier? Why is she so angry about it? She seemed to enjoy it. Maybe that's why. Women are so strange.' He started laughing again as he fought with her. It angered her more. Her attacks intensified, but while she was clearly skilled, Matt was unbeatable. He had never lost a sword fight, ever, but he was astonished at her skill. His curiosity overwhelmed him and surpassed his amusement so he disarmed Sora and held her at sword point. They were both sweating and breathing heavily.
"Where did you learn to fight like that?"
"I've grown up on pirate ships."
"Yeah, but your parents were slaves," Matt reminded her as she gaze hardened, "Wasn't your father an oarsmen and your mother a whore?"
Sora spit on him. She couldn't do much else since Matt had his sword at her throat and she was pinned in a corner.
Matt wiped his face off with his sleeve, "As slaves, neither parent was allowed a weapon at any time of any kind."
"The chains slaves wear is weapon enough, yet no pirate thinks chains are a threat. Even with the number of pirates strangled."
"'No slave shall ever be in possession of a weapon, of any kind, for any reason. Exceptions: to save their owner's life.'" Matt recited. "'No slave girl shall ever be taken as a bride for a pirate. A slave girl may be a prize, but never joined in wedlock to a pirate. Captains may have as many slave girls as he wishes, as long as none are taken in wedlock. It is forbidden to love a slave. Exceptions: none.'" Matt grimaced and continued, "'A Captain's word is law on his ship. He must always be obeyed immediately. Exceptions: if the Captain's orders interfere with the Code.'"
Sora looked disgusted, "What do you have the whole Code memorized?"
"Mostly. It's the Captain's job to know and enforce the Code."
"Then what was with you earlier?"
"What? A Captain is allowed to enjoy his purchases. Speaking of, what did you buy besides the clothes Mimi and Yolei wanted?"
"You weren't just enjoying your purchase," she hissed venomously.
Matt raised his eyebrow in curiosity but changed the subject, "Was it a dress? You were advised to purchase a summer dress since our destination will be warm."
"A dress? How practical is that? No, I purchased something more practical."
"Which would be…?"
"Cargo pants similar to Yolei and Mimi's and a shirt to go with it."
"More description?"
"Black pants, red shirt."
"More?"
"The only shirts were a strap of cloth."
"So the shirt wraps around your breasts?"
"Only. The black cargo pants had a design on the sides by the bottom of the pant leg. It was a red heart shape."
"Low rising pants, I assume."
"Well it's not like pirates are fashion artists. Any women's clothes are minimal at best."
Matt stared at her, watching her frustration ebb and flow like the waves. She seemed calmer towards him now so he lowered his sword.
"Stay here tonight."
"Not a chance."
Sora walked to the door and pulled. She didn't realize he had locked it. As she reached for the lock, Matt wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close to him.
"You slashed my silk shirt," he whispered in her ear.
"I'm sure you can pay to get it fixed. Or just replace it. You have the money to do whatever you want," she said icily.
'She's not falling for it this time. I have to be more alluring.'
"Let go of me. I have to get sleep because I have work to do tomorrow. Unfortunately, I have to feed the Captain like a child, so I need to leave so I can—"
But he cut her off. He put his left hand over her mouth and gently tilted her head to the left. He slowly started to kiss her neck. He felt her shiver slightly as he found a sensitive spot. As he deepened his attack, she raised her arms around his neck. Matt smiled triumphantly into her neck and kissed her again as she lowered her hands away from him. Her left hand wrapped around her right fist and she thrust her right elbow into his gut. He was winded long enough for Sora to unlock the door, push him aside, and run into the salty night air.
"Damn it," Yamato cursed when he regained breath. He heard a door close in the distance and knew she had returned to her quarters.
------------HELL HOLE------------
"Wake up Meems!"
Mimi uttered an unrecognizable noise.
"What did she say?"
"No idea."
Sora and Yolei looked back at the sleeping form of Mimi. The ship was swaying gently in the early morning waves. The sun was about to rise.
"Mimi, come on wake up!" cried Yolei.
"I need my beauty sleep," Mimi mumbled.
"I hear footsteps. Probably ol' bush brains coming to wake us up, eh Yolei?" Sora winked at Yolei.
"What?!" Mimi bolted upright.
She stood up and ran to the mirror to check her reflection. As she turned around, she saw Sora with her arms crossed with an eyebrow raised in amusement while Yolei struggled to hold in laughter.
"No one is coming." Mimi flatly stated rather than asked.
"Nope," replied Sora. She and Yolei burst out laughing at Mimi's angry face. Sora stopped immediately.
"Ha ha, Sora, but I'm not falling for it again."
There was a knock on the door. The knock was more like cannon fire due to the clear impatience of the visitor.
"How do you always know?" whispered Yolei. Mimi looked alarmed.
"Come on ladies, wake up! We've got a big day!"
"Sorry Meems. Junior bush brains, not senior."
Davis unlocked and opened the door. He walked over the threshold to inspect the room. Two of the girls were sitting on their cots while the third stood near the mirror in their room.
"Let's move. We've got hungry, powerful men waking up soon and they need their breakfast! Yolei, you are to make sure that the beautiful Kari has everything she needs."
"Yes, sir," Yolei bowed and left the room. Sora and Mimi followed before Davis could say anything else and he locked the door behind them.
------------KARI'S CHAMBER------------
"Come in," Kari called.
Yolei walked through the door and set a tray down by Kari's bedside. It had been over a month since the incident with Roberto. That had seemed like the longest day in history. Matt and company left to go shopping, the four girls each got to purchase items, then they were all attacked, Roberto came on board while Matt was fighting in the town, she was taken hostage and T.K. was almost killed, then Ken saved the day. Just when everything seemed okay, no one could find Izzy. When someone did, we thought he would join those that had already died. April 18th sucked. Luckily, Izzy survived and made a full recovery. The next town they docked in went smoothly with no problems, and they had been at sea for a week since.
"Here you go, Kari. A nice, healthy, filling breakfast."
Yolei beamed at Kari and Kari gently smiled back.
"What's wrong?"
Kari sighed, "I can never hide anything from you three. It's nothing really."
"Kari, be selfish for once in your life."
Kari laughed a delicate laugh and took a deep breath. She had been thinking about the trip Yamato was making for some time and had been troubled for a month.
"It's just…I think…I can't help but feel something will go wrong on this expedition. Hundreds of people have searched for this treasure and no one has ever returned. I know Matt is a great Captain and he has an unrivaled crew, but it's tempting fate isn't it?"
"Why is Matt so fixated on this particular treasure?"
"Only Tai knows that. He won't tell even me. Regardless, I just don't think it's a good idea. Even though I told him about my feelings, he told me I was just worrying from my run in with Roberto." She sighed again. "He might be right."
"Who knows why you have this feeling Kari, but don't be so quick to dismiss it. If it's bothered you this long, then there's probably a reason for it."
Yolei smiled as she brushed Kari's hair behind her ear. Kari really smiled this time and started on her breakfast. She and Yolei spent the rest of Kari's breakfast talking animatedly until Yolei had to whisk her tray away and return to her chores.
------------KITCHEN------------
Yolei returned to find Joel scolding Mimi and Sora nowhere to be seen. Apparently, Mimi had been daydreaming and let Tai's food burn. Three times. Yolei shook her head as she approached the sink with Kari's tray.
"Mimi, that's the third time you destroyed Tachi's breakfast! Yolei you have to help me out. The officers won't be happy with you two if they don't get their breakfast soon. Sora soon after you and hasn't returned from the Captain's chambers."
"Sure thing, Joel." Yolei sidled up to Mimi. Joel was slamming dishes around while he cleaned up Mimi's mess and finished the crew's breakfast. Yolei looked over her shoulder to make sure Joel was busy before she started whispering her plan to Mimi.
"Why am I the one doing this?" whispered Mimi.
"I thought you'd like the time with Tai…" Yolei smirked.
Mimi blushed and said half-angrily, half-amused, "You've been hanging out with Sor too much."