Pointless Report:
Okay guys, I've done it again. I've made you all wait 6 months this time! Consistency be damned.
Anyways, I have a few announcements to make. "Cursed" is coming up to its 2nd birthday and I'm trying to come up with something special to celebrate it! If you have any ideas, feel free to leave it in your review.
Second announcement, a few weeks ago, "Cursed" passed 12,000 views! Incredible! Sorry I didn't release anything on that day because well [insert lame excuse here] so you get the point.
So, in light of these 3 events I've decided to do this: To the first 3 people to review I will do a commission for you. It can be OCs, cannon characters or side chapters. Your choice, just keep these things in mind: Please no fetish, lime, lemon, yuri or yaoi.
But wait folks there's more! If you can't think of a commission, you can instead give me a time limit for when the next chapter will be released (I will actually be on time, I promise). If I get more than one time limit, I'll just use the other for the chapter afterwards.
Anyways, that wraps up the announcements.
Huge holiday love to my reviewers: gothikeira, SniperKingSogeking0341, Meiya Soku, Arrowachi and bRoKEnhEaRTscROsSovEr!
And thanks to everyone who's helped "Cursed" get this far!
To the chapter~ away!
-"~"-
Mariko wandered down to the dining hall. The recent death and break-in was still fresh in everyone's minds. Everywhere she went, she could hear excited gossip and guards interviewing and patrolling the grounds.
Her head was in the clouds thinking in circles about what to do next. She didn't notice Shiana until she bounced up to her.
"S'up Mariko, guess what?" Shiana asked excitedly.
"What?" Mariko asked still a little distracted.
"You're going shopping with Moku and me!"
Mariko blinked. "I…uhh…Can't! I'm uhh…" Mariko stuttered, searching desperately for an excuse.
"Are you going back to your crew today?"
"…No…"
"Have you agreed to do something with someone else?"
"…No…"
"Then you can spend the day with Moku and I now can't you?"
"But…But!"
Shiana grinned. "Great! Now come on, I told Moku to meet us in 5 minutes at the gate! We don't want to keep her waiting now, do we?"
"But I haven't had my breakfast yet!" Mariko protested as Shiana grabbed her arm and began dragging her away.
"Skip it. Or get something while we're out now come on!"
"But, I don't have my money with me!"
"I'll lend you some and you can pay me back later."
Mariko sighed in defeat. She heard her stomach growl. "Trust me buddy," she muttered, "I feel the same way you do."
-"~"-
Mariko sat on the floor near some racks of shirts as she watched Shiana and Moku walk through the store picking out a few articles of clothing and piling them on their arms.
Mariko sighed. "The one time I wish bounty hunters or pirates would come and attack…" she muttered.
Shiana looked at Mariko with an irritated expression. "Mariko, get your ass off the ground and come look with us!"
Mariko glared but reluctantly stood up. Stuffing her hands in her pockets she trudged over to where Shiana and Moku were.
Shiana rolled her eyes. "At least pretend you're interested. Seriously, it wouldn't hurt you to buy a new wardrobe."
"I like my clothes." Mariko grumbled.
Shiana snorted. "Look, for as long as I've known you, I've seen you in two colors, black, and as of last night, pink."
"I thought black was a shade?" Moku said busily looking through some colorful skirts on display.
"Whatever, the point is, you look like you're constantly in mourning or a Goth, without the large amounts of makeup."
"Gee, thanks." Mariko said sarcastically.
"Why do you wear black anyways?" Moku asked. The bird on her shoulder chirped a short melody and Moku petted it delicately.
Mariko shrugged. "Because it's easy. Black goes with black, no matter what store I have to go into I know I'll find something black. And besides, the clothes I wear are comfortable."
Moku sighed. "You know, other colored clothes don't change the feel. It's the material and how it's made that makes it comfortable."
"I know that." Mariko snapped. "But I feel comfortable wearing it."
Shiana narrowed her eyes at Mariko than turned to Moku. "Moku, our mission today is difficult. Get Mariko a more colorful wardrobe." She announced.
Mariko paled and slowly began to back away towards the door.
"Mariko, don't think you can leave." Shiana said in a warning tone.
Mariko glared. "Or what?"
Shiana sighed. "Mariko, I am a bounty hunter. I've been in the occupation for a few years now. You've been a pirate for a few months. Do you see what I'm getting at here?"
"Ah! But you see because I've only been a pirate for so little time I don't have the mentality of one. Therefore your tricks and experience when dealing with pirates doesn't apply to me!" Mariko countered.
"Do you think I should get this?" Moku asked holding up a shirt, completely oblivious to the world around her.
Shiana rolled her eyes. "Yes Moku, it would look very nice on you."
Moku looked at the shirt thoughtfully. "Maybe I should look for it in a different color."
"Look Mariko, I'll make a deal with you." Shiana sighed.
Mariko raised an eyebrow. "What kind of deal?"
"If you buy some clothes, we'll go shopping where you want to go."
Mariko considered the deal for a moment. "Anywhere?"
"Anywhere."
Mariko grinned. "Alright, deal."
"Great!" Said Moku cheerfully, "So where're we going after?"
Mariko smirked. "How about I leave that as a surprise until after we're finished."
-"~"-
Mariko grinned at her friends as they both stared at her in shock.
"You're sure this is where you want to go?" Shiana asked.
"Positive." Mariko said grinning.
Shiana looked at the outdoor flea market doubtfully. "And here I was expecting a weapons shop or something."
Moku shrugged. "At least there might be some nice jewelry or homemade clothes here."
Shiana looked at the market with mild disgust. "These are mostly just hand-me-down junk. Why would you want to come here?"
Mariko tsked. "Ah, you see that's the thing. You never know what you might find. It's like a big treasure hunt."
Shiana sighed. "Well, I promised you we'd go where you wanted. And you did try on some clothes and buy something with a little color. Just point me in the direction of some cute guys and I'll be fine."
Moku smiled shyly. "I wouldn't mind that either."
Mariko swept her hand in a grand motion. "Be free! Feed on the unsuspecting!"
"You make it sound like we're going to tear them apart." Moku scoffed.
"Only if they want us to." Shiana said with a wink, earning a blush from the white-haired girl.
Shiana reached into her pocket and pulled out her wallet. She counted out a few bills and handed them to Mariko. "Here, go buy something nice for yourself. And don't let me catch you spending it on shit like magic beans or mystic talismans or any other sketchy novelties."
Mariko grinned. "Thanks! I owe you one!"
Shiana sighed as she stuffed the rest of the bills back into her wallet. "With all this money you're borrowing, you're going to be my bitch for life."
-"~"-
Mariko passed by the stalls in fascination. Strange and exotic collectables were displayed proudly on the merchants' tables. Alluring smells drifted and swirled together making her head feel light and hazy. Lovingly handcrafted wooden and stone statues shone brightly, polished to an unnatural sheen. Intriguing jewelry winked at them, the sun making their precious jewels sparkle with life. Soft, warm blankets stirred lightly in the wind where their creators had draped them.
Mariko felt a smile spread over her face. It was better than what she had hoped for. No dusty broken trash darkened this marketplace.
She caught the eye of a jolly merchant but when she looked a little deeper she saw cunning and a hint of malice lurking in his eyes.
She shivered and suppressed her obvious wonder. She needed to remember to be cautious here. These merchants were looking for a poor sap to rip off as much money as they could. But what she saw when she turned the corner made her forget everything.
Hundreds of sugary candy gleamed back at her. Crystallized rock candy, swirling lollipops, chocolate pirate flags, sour gummy Sea Kings, every color and every form of sweet and savory delights lay on the table.
Mariko felt her mouth water. She'd never seen so many sweets in one spot before. It was like a child's dream and a health nut's nightmare.
"Holy shit," Shiana breathed moving closer to the stand.
"I haven't had some of these since I was a kid." Moku said in awe. The bird on her shoulder gave a low whistle.
Mariko stared at the candy her hand placed over her pocket, eager to take out the money hidden in there and blow it all on whatever she could get her hands on.
Shiana elbows Moku in the side. "You'd better close your mouth, otherwise your droll will melt all the candy!" she teased.
Moku put her hand on her mouth and blushed deeply.
After some careful consideration and bargaining the girls walked away from the booth, clutching a brown bag filled with their purchases.
"Okay," Shiana said peeking into her bag, "maybe your flea market isn't as lame as I thought it would be."
Mariko popped a gummy Sea King in her mouth and smacked her lips. "Told you so."
Moku rolled her eyes and took a bite of her fudge.
Mariko felt someone brush past her and she got a quick glance of the man's face. She froze and stared and he passed by.
"Hey, are you okay?" Shiana asked, noticing her friend's sudden reaction.
Mariko glanced over her shoulder still watching the man walk away. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just going to check something out. I'll meet up with you guys later." Mariko took off through the crowds, leaving Moku and Shiana standing there.
"What's up with her?" Moku asked keeping her treats away from her bird, who had taken a nip at the bag.
"I don't know." Shiana said uneasily. "Knowing her, it could be anything."
-"~"-
Mariko weaved her way through the crowds, always making sure she was able to see the man at all times. She followed him to the outskirts on the market into the slightly more seedy area. Leering faces peered up at her and she quickened her pace. Finally she saw the man duck into a tent. She hesitated for a moment, and then followed him inside.
The man turned around and looked at her in surprise. Then, a slow smile spread over his face. "I thought it was you I saw."
"And I knew it was you that I saw." Mariko said crossing her arms.
He stuffed his hand in his shorts. "Why'd you follow me? You made it very clear last night you thought I was some secret psychopath plotting to kill you."
"I know what you did and I want some answers."
He raised his eyebrow. "Really?"
She took a deep breath. "I know you're the one who stole from all those people and killed that guy."
He shrugged. "You're right, you got me." His tone was natural as if it were the most obvious response.
Mariko blinked. "Excuse me?"
He gave her a lazy smile. "You got me. I admit it. So, what're you gonna do now?"
Mariko blinked again uncertainly. After a moment of thought she looked at him blankly and told him the truth. "Well…Nothing, I suppose. I mean, it's not as if I can go to the marines and tell them and now that I think about it, you didn't take anything from me or anyone I know." She looked at him with a loss for words.
He shrugged. "Would you like to stay for a moment and have a cup of tea or something?"
She nodded dumbly, feeling extremely embarrassed and foolish. "Yes please." She said in a small voice.
-"~"-
"So Pirate girl, why exactly did you come running after me?" the man asked taking a sip from his mug. Together, they'd dragged a box over and thrown a cloth over top as a makeshift table.
Mariko groaned. "To be honest I haven't the faintest idea. It just seemed like the thing to do at the time." She paused to take a sip of her tea, letting the hot liquid scald her tongue. "I'm a little…impulsive sometimes."
He grinned. "Aren't all pirates?"
She frowned. "Well, my captain keeps a pretty level head most of the time, but he has such a laid back personality it comes naturally to him."
The two eyed each other silently.
"I still don't know anything about you." Mariko said at last.
The man smirked. "You've never asked. Aside from your piracy occupation, I don't really know much about you either."
Mariko took a sip and thought about what he had just said. After a moment's decision she decided on the most basic question. "What's your name?"
The man smiled. "My name's Anthony. Do you know what my name means?"
Mariko shook her head.
He smiled sweetly. "It means 'priceless'."
She rolled her eyes. "Well doesn't that suit you?"
"As a matter of fact it does! So what about you, Pirate girl? Do you have a pretty name the marines have plastered all over a bounty poster screaming for your blood or are they just going by a nickname?"
"Charming. My name's Mariko."
"Hmm, that's not as bloody thirsty as some of the big names out there."
"You mean like my captain? 'Dark Doctor' Trafalgar Law?"
Anthony looked impressed. "Yeah, that's one of them. I'd hate to get into a fight with him or any of those Supernovas. It's both a blessing and a curse when I'm on the same island as them. Although the marines are watching their every move and focusing their attention of them, their constant presence…gets in the way of my work at times."
"And your line of work is?"
"Pirate girl, you're looking at a world class thief. But, I'm guessing you've already figured that out, what with the robbery and all."
She snorted. "Thief? Yes. World class? That's stretching it a little."
He shrugged. "If you want something in this world you might as well go all out."
She took another sip, draining the last of her tea. "So, what now?"
He looked at her in mock surprise. "Well Pirate girl, isn't it obvious? Now we chat until nightfall chatting earnestly about our tragic pasts and our dreams and ambitions. Then we go out into the streets dancing and singing show tunes while romantic music plays in the background. Then, when the moon is full you will fall so deeply in love with me that you will follow me to the ends of the earth."
Mariko stifled a laugh. "Oh really," she said sarcastically, "and then what'll happen on our worldly adventure?"
He grinned. "Well, we'll visit many different lands and eat exotic foods. And then I'll probably see a hot curvy girl with a nice chest and I'll abandon you somewhere and never be seen again."
Mariko crossed her arms. "That's not a very nice ending."
He winked. "Only for you. I get a new girl and fill her head with a thousand promises and then pretty much do the same thing."
"Well aren't you romantic. So you find these girls, take them around the world and then just get rid of them when you get bored?"
"And I steal most of their valuables, but that's beside the point."
"You're just turning into even more of a prince charming every minute."
"Hey, I can't help it if they fall for me so easily. Besides, I leave them with enough money to get off the island. So I'm not entirely heartless."
Mariko rolled her eyes. "Well then it looks like I'm going to have to escape before you seduce me and I end up practically broke in the middle of a town I've never heard of."
Anthony downed the last of his drink and sprang up. "Are you sure? Every girl I've taken has had a lovely time, until the very end of course."
"I'm surprised someone hasn't tried to hire someone to kill you yet."
He winked. "Who's to say no one's tried? I'm hard to find and even harder to catch. I'm careful to avoid any islands I've been to."
"Well it's been a…interesting time, but I should be going. I kind of ran off on my friends and they might start to get worried."
He raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Friends of yours? Are they single and in need of a trip around the world."
"No, they're fine thank you very much." She held out her hand. "Anthony,"
He took her hand and shook it firmly. "Mariko, pleasure to formally make your acquaintance."
-"~"-
Mariko checked behind her shoulder as she had to quicken her pace to catch up to Anthony's long strides. "You know, I don't need a guide back."
He shrugged. "I've got nothing better to do. Besides, a pair is a little more intimidating to cutthroats than a single person."
She sighed and checked behind her shoulder again.
Anthony elbowed her. "Why are you doing that? We're fine."
Mariko frowned. "This is normally around the time something bad happens, and I'll have to deal with it one way or another and by the end of it I'll regret even getting up this morning."
Anthony laughed. "Does paranoia come with being a pirate?"
She sighed and punched him in the arm. "No, but it seems to come with just being me. Seriously, something's out to get me and it won't rest until the end of my life."
Anthony grinned. "Well then aren't we lucky that it's almost the end of the day? Maybe it'll just be a normal day."
"I met you. That's not exactly normal."
"Well then, maybe I'm the highlight of your day! It wouldn't be the first time someone's told me that!"
"Sure, just keep telling yourself that. Anyways, I think I see my friends over by that store. Even though we went through most of my candy, I need to get some real food as soon as possible."
"Well you know… I could always take you to dinner." He said wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
She rolled her eyes. "Maybe another time, but I've had enough of your company to last me a while."
He shrugged. "Can't blame a guy for trying." He sighed. "Well, I did see a nice looking red head a moment ago. Maybe I'll have an adventure yet."
She groaned. "You're unbelievable."
He grinned. "My favorite way of being remembered. If you see me again don't be afraid to say hello."
"Yeah yeah, I'll try."
With one last grin, Anthony disappeared into the crowd. Mariko turned and saw Shiana and Moku jog up to her.
"Wow, who was he and where can I get one?" Shiana asked looking towards the direction Anthony had disappeared.
Mariko rolled her eyes. "Trust me, you don't want that guy. So how was your day?"
Moku grinned. "We got some nice clothes and we guessed your size so we have some things for you!"
Mariko grimaced. "That's…great."
Shiana nodded in approval. "Now then, I saw a good looking restaurant a while back and I don't know about you guys but I'm starving."
Moku grinned and her bird chirped happily.
Mariko sighed in relief. Food sounded great.
-"~"-
Keiko stared out her window at the sea. The boat creaked as the crew scrambled to bring last minute luggage on board.
She heard a knock at the door. "Come in." She said distracted.
One of the crew entered, his face sun burnt from hard days of work and his skin glistening with sweat. "Your parents are meeting with the captain for dinner, miss. Are you ready?"
Keiko sighed. "No, I'll be there in a moment." She turned back to the window.
"Is there something wrong, miss? You've been acting strange all day."
"I'm fine." She said impatiently.
"Alright, miss, if you say so."
Keiko heard the door close. Her mind was a mess, she had never guessed seeing her sister again would cause so much of a shock. She was glad they were going, she didn't want to think of what she would do, knowing her sister was lurking somewhere on the island. What if her parents saw her?
Keiko shook her head to rid herself of the image. She wrapped her arms around herself and hugged herself in a tight embrace.
It was going to be another long and sleepless night.
