This is one of my favorite stories! I loved writing it and I am strongly considering writing a sequel. Tell me your thoughts! I hope you enjoy it! Please read and review.

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The Pirate King

Chapter 4: Revelations

She did not come out of her room the next day. Instead, she stayed under her blankets except to bathe and remove the ash from yesterday.

Endymion narrowed his eyes in worry as he gazed at the setting sun. Serenity had refused to leave her room all day, claiming she was tired from the previous day. But he knew the truth. She was scared. Her sheltered view of pirate life had been shaken by the sudden deaths of the six crew members.

He leaned against the steering wheel and sighed. He'd wondered when her bravery would run out.

"Endymion?" a timid voice whispered from behind him. He whirled around in surprise to find Serenity standing before him, the ash from yesterday washed away, and dressed in fresh clothes.

"Yes?"

"I understand now. I just needed some time to adjust."

"To a pirate," Endymion began. "Death is just the next adventure…the next treasure hunt…"

"Yes, I suppose it would be." Serenity smiled. Endymion smiled back, happy to be proven wrong by the princess once again.

"We'll be docking in Japan again." He said after a short silence.

"Another raid?" Serenity asked in alarm.

"No, we need to replace the six crew members we lost. Running the ship is difficult with what we have now."

Serenity looked at him slyly. "Which port?"

"Don't get so excited. We'll be docking at Port Mamoru this time. And you'll remain onboard."

"Have you heard anything from my father about my ransom yet?"

"Not yet but I plan to ask around once we dock. Don't worry princess. I'm sure you won't have to sail with the terrible pirates too much longer…"

"You're not terrible…I just miss my family."

"I had forgotten how young you are."

"I'm not young! I'm nearly eighteen years old…Don't you miss your family?"

"No," Endymion replied curtly.

"Why not? Did they not support your pirate 'career'?"

Endymion threw his head back and laughed. "No parent would support their child if they were a pirate." He chuckled. "Except you, of course."

"So what happened then? You kidnapped me! The least you could do is tell me a little about yourself!" she exclaimed in agitation.

"Alright then, calm down…" Endymion replied calmly. "I'm an orphan. I lost my parents when I was really young in a shipwreck. I don't remember though so you can wipe that piteous expression from your face. The orphanage I stayed at treated me fairly well, better than most."

Serenity's eyes shone with tears as she continued top stare at Endymion in pity. "Our childhoods were so different…" she whispered.

"Well, of course! You're a princess! Your childhood was different than everyone else's!" he shouted in frustration.

"Aren't you just a little scared?"

"Of what?"

"The ocean…you lost your parents in it and yet you cross it fearlessly."

"I told you I don't remember any of that! So why should I fear…hold on, come with me." Endymion grabbed her wrist and led her to his office, carefully locking the door behind him. "This is not a conversation I want my crew to hear."

"I understand. You must uphold your strong reputation."

"You see, princess. Why should I fear the ocean? Look at it!" he gestured through the window. Serenity followed his gaze to see the setting sun reflecting on the lazy surface of the water. A dolphin jumped and turned in mid-air to splash back into the water. "The sea is my home. You live near your relatives' graves, right? This is no different. When I sail…I feel as though I have made a connection with them." Endymion bent his head briefly. Serenity suspected it was to hide an emotion he didn't want seen. When he raised his head again his eyes were shining but his jaw was strong.

"I see what you mean and I don't pity you." Serenity placed her hand over his. "I only wish I was as strong as you. Every time I think of being on my own I panic! I can't imagine my life without my parents."

"But princess…you are strong. Here you are, a hostage and you have this entire crew under your thumb. The dread Fool's Gold crew would die for you! If that isn't strength then I'm not sure what is…"

"Thank you Endymion." Serenity patted his hand once more before leaving. Endymion sat in silence, staring at the door where she disappeared, rubbing his hand absent-mindedly.

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Sorry this was such a short chapter but when I broke the story down into chapters there was this small section that didn't really belong anywhere else. Anyway, I hope you liked it! R & R please! Lots o' Love!