Ryuko was known among pirates for having a very short temper, and this only made them more afraid of her. But as she and Mako sailed back to Honnou Island, she managed to keep her cool the entire time even though Mako simply wouldn't shut up.

"So what does 'shiver me timbers' mean?"

"Pirates usually say it when they're shocked or frustrated," Ryuko said calmly.

"What about 'avast'?"

"That just means stop," Ryuko said.

By the time they reached Honnou Island, Ryuko was about to finish defining 'rattle me bones' when she noticed Mako's family waiting excitedly for them. Ryuko found herself unable to resist smiling and waving, glad that none of her pirate friends or foes were there to see this side of her.

"So what are you going to do now?" Mako said as they enjoyed dinner together. "If you don't have anywhere to stay, we'd be more than happy to let…"

"I can't stay," Ryuko said. "Satsuki still hasn't returned, and I have to find her if I want answers."

"The adventure never ends when you're a pirate, huh?" Mako said enviously. "...you're going to need a crew, aren't you?"

"I don't like where this is going," Ryuko said.

"Why not?" Mako said. "If we were your crew, you'd have a doctor," she pointed to her father, "a cook," she pointed to her mother, "and the cabin boy, whatever that entails!" She finished by pointing to her brother.

"Not to mention an impressive pickpocket," Ryuko said under her breath.

"And finally," Mako continued obliviously, "while we don't have a shoulder-parrot, we do have a dog we can take with us!"

"...hold on," Ryuko said. "Are the rest of you really okay with this?"

"Oh, we discussed it hours ago," Mako's mother said casually. "Mataro has some very trustworthy friends who can look after this inn for us while we're gone."

"I'm hoping I shouldn't have to ask this," Ryuko said, looking at the male members of the family, "but… which one of you is Mataro?"

"That'd be me," said the boy who had picked her pocket.

At this point, the only option Ryuko saw besides giving in was changing the subject. "These croquettes are really good. What's in them?"

Mako's mother laughed. "Usually, that's a secret. But I don't see a problem sharing it with you. In no particular order… Kerosene, propylene glycol, artificial sweeteners, sulphuric acid, rum, acetone, red dye number two, scumm, axle grease, battery acid, and/or pepperoni."

Ryuko nodded and took another bite. "Like I said, they're delicious."

The next morning, Ryuko woke up before anyone else could so that she could leave alone as she'd planned. Once she had everything ready, she took a moment to grab a small piece of paper and started writing on it.

"Morning, Ryuko," Mako said. "What are you doing?"

"Oh, I'm just writing a 'thank you' note," Ryuko said, "so that you and your family will see it when you wak…" She suddenly turned around and, upon confirming who was behind her, nearly jumped out of her skin. "Shiver me timbers, Mako! Where did you come from?"

"My bed?" Mako shrugged. "I dunno, I'm more of a 'where I'm going' person than a 'where I've been' person. And today, I'm going on a swashbuckling adventure with you!"

Even though she didn't understand it, it was the blissful expression Mako had when she said that that finally convinced Ryuko. It was just the kind of face she didn't want to let down.

"Okay," she said. "So while everyone's still asleep… how about you and I look for a ship?"

"Great!" Mako said. "I know the perfect place!"

Mako brought Ryuko to Naniawa Kinman Island, where Kaneo Takarada was in the business of selling many impressive ships. Mako had never met him in person before, but fliers advertising his services had reached Honnou Island in the past. Mako had also heard good things about the food available on that island, and as she spent the journey rambling about what she wanted to try, Ryuko suspected an ulterior motive for visiting.

"Welcome aboard, mateys!" Takarada stood with his arms spread out as they arrived. "If it's a ship you want, you've come to the right place! What kind are you looking for?"

"A big one," Mako said excitedly, "with lots of firepower!" She drove her point home by imitating the sound of cannons firing, followed by explosions."

Ryuko nodded uncertainly. "Durability's also important. Something that's just as good at taking cannon fire as it is dishing it out."

"That can certainly be arranged." Takarada led them to a ship that matched that description. "Now take a look at this one! I couldn't say how it ended up in my hands, but there are rumors," he said insistently, "that it was plundered from Governor Kiryuin's armada before a series of trades brought it here. No one can say for sure though. But the hull!" He tapped his knuckles against it for emphasis. "The hull is the real mystery! Nobody knows what it's made of, but it's said to be truly indestructible! Notice the unearthly red glow. Doesn't it intrigue you?"

"It does!" Mako said enthusiastically. "This ship is getting more amazing by the second! Ryuko, can we afford it?"

"We're about to find out," Ryuko said, producing the many adventures worth of gold she'd prepared for this journey. Takarada's eyes practically turned into dollar signs at the sight of it, and it was clear to them both how willing he now was to part with this ship he'd practically written a love letter to moments before.

"It's yours!" He said. "Take it! Have fun with it! The day is still young!"

Ryuko suddenly looked at Mako. "That reminds me. Your family's probably up by now. We should probably bring this over and meet up with th-"

She quickly realized that Mako had disappeared from her sight mere seconds ago, and was already aboard the ship. With a wry smile, Ryuko climbed up and joined there, and they quickly set sail.

"This thing should totally have a name," Mako said. "How about… the HMS Ryumako?"

"The what?" Ryuko said.

"Ryumako!" Mako said. "A great name for an even better ship! A ship that sails strong no matter what's thrown at it! A ship to be shipped until the end of time! A ship forever associated with the word 'cannon'! Ryuko, Ryumako is the One True Ship, and anyone who disagrees couldn't be more wrong! This is our ship, and it's the best ship!"

Again, Ryuko found it impossible to argue with Mako's enthusiasm. "Yeah… that certainly sounds like a ship worth 'shipping'."

A/N: Arrr! What better day to be bringin' back this story than Talk Like a Pirate Day!

...these canon/cannon puns be drivin' me nuts...