Chapter 6: Infectious Gallivant
The man flashed them a grin as they reached the deck, hands on his hips and appearing completely relaxed as they approached. The gentle breeze ruffled the ends of his jacket and pushed it away from him – if it weren't for the large belt he wore around his waist, the rest of his outfit would have been exposed from his jacket taking the role of a cape; fluttering in the wind in its awesomely distracting red and black colors. His brunette hair gleamed in the sunlight; bangs magically avoiding obstructing his view as he gazed upon them. His eyes were darting around, giving them an obvious quick scan down as his smile grew broader.
"H-hello there." Vanessa awkwardly broke the silence, feeling slightly uncomfortable now that all eyes were upon her. She was starting to feel that it was perhaps not the best idea to let these strangers on board, though she quickly dismissed the notion as she knew that was just her lack of social skills talking. They did not seem at all threatening (the three crewmembers seemed to prefer hovering near the bridge that connected the two ships together, while their captain proudly stood before them) and the tall man with the shades threw her a warm look, appreciating her attempt to start a conversation. "I just wanted to thank you for your assistance."
"You sure needed it." One of the men in the back abruptly spoke, his voice distinctly unimpressed. "The flying was great but the one in charge of the cannons was horrible! Whoever taught them needs to reconsider ever allowing them use of the projectiles again." Vanessa's face flashed a quick look of being offended and deep embarrassment before it receded; leaving only the casual flushed cheeks that could be blamed by the warm weather.
"Now now Butch, that's no way to talk to a lady." The captain's tone was one of playful scolding as he threw a glance at his crewmates. Though it was only for a moment, each of them got the message from the action – leave him to do the talking. Typical. He'd probably just try to get with them for a romantic evening and then ditch them as the morning rays rose from the distant horizon. His gallivanting knew no shame. "Excuse my men's poor manners; clearly they haven't been taught proper etiquette yet."
"Sometimes I think he forgets that we're pirates…" One of them muttered under his breath. It was low enough that most of the gang on the deck didn't notice, though it didn't escape the attention of a particular blonde, however; who smiled in light amusement at the implication. It appeared that not even his own crew had become accustomed to the captain's chivalrous behaviour.
"That's fine, I take no offense." Vanessa laughed softly, shaking it off. "I'm Vanessa, and this is my friend Skye."
"A pleasure to meet you both." He said politely, appearing quite the gentleman as he gave a short bow. "The name's Gilder. We were in the area when we saw the fighting in the distance; once we caught sight of the flag of the Black Pirates, we had to get involved. I meant no disrespect if it came that way. I have just tired of seeing those vagabonds attacking everybody as of late as if they own the place. They've been raiding merchant ships on this trade route for weeks now. I was going to ask you what cargo your ship carries that they might target you for, but…" His lips curved upward, his eyes alit with deliberate cheekiness. "I believe I know the answer to that one."
"Oh, brother…" Butch groaned. "He's at it again."
"Actually, I think the captain has a point." One of the unnamed crewmates spoke for the first (and soon to be last) time. "I don't deny what you're inferring, but they are two female pirates… quite the catch for a Black Pirate. Seeing that both ships were coming from Sailor's Island, I'd stake gold that the captain of the Black faction met them there. Why or how he didn't just grab them right then, though… I dunno."
"Well, they are pirates…" The third member of the crew that is never to be named offered, aimed at Butch and unnamed crewmate #2.
"Yes, they are." A deadpan male voice carried over to them, causing the three dialoguing men to jump. Gilder frowned, giving his comrades a sharp glare before facing Skye and Vanessa again. "I must apologize again for my crew's inherent rudeness. Honestly, now I see why I tell them to stay on the Claudia… An image is hard to maintain when multiple people are representing it."
"Heh, we know that one." Skye finally said, having decided that she was well enough to speak. She had hesitated, feeling and hearing the gurgling sounds that her stomach had been emitting. She threw a look up at the windows of the bridge, knowing full well that their young pilot was observing the conversation from her vantage point. "That pipsqueak would ruin the reputation of the Red Rogues as soon as her existence became public, I bet." She scowled. "I still say you should chuck her overboard, Vanessa…"
"Skye, it's never going to happen. Give up." The red donned pirate rolled her eyes. "Well I guess this is where we part company. Thanks again for the-"
"Hold on a second there, lassie." Butch stepped forward to stand parallel to his captain, though it was more to get a better view of the duo his scrutinizing eyes were curious of. "You're the Red Rogues? The group that has reportedly been a terror everywhere? I don't know whether to scoff and glare in disbelief or…" The sound of iron scrapping against its scabbard as the weapon was pulled out could be heard, dramatizing his next words, "kill you right on the spot. I can't believe we were duped!"
"Butch…" Gilder's tone warned, annoyance creeping up in his voice. "Stand down. I knew who they were."
"Then why…?" Butch didn't understand. In his eyes, the Red Rogues were as notoriously bad as the Black Pirates. They shouldn't be exempted from his captain's general viewpoint. "Because they're girls?"
"If you believe me to be that shallow, then our discussion ends here." There was a moment of heated silence before Butch sheathed his sword, distrust and suspicion evident as he glared at the two he blamed for making his captain question his loyalty. The nerve of them both!
"I do not know why you saved us, if that is how one of your crew feels…" Vanessa spoke up again, not giving the temperamental Skye a chance to retort and start a true fight. "Regardless, it is much appreciated. We are in your debt."
"It really was no problem, though if you truly feel that way I have but one… nay, two favours to ask of you." Gilder's shades now hung on the bridge of his nose as his eyes bore deeply into Vanessa's own. Before Skye could protest, Vanessa spoke.
"Name them." It was simple, unwavering.
"First… if even just for now, I want you to refrain from attacking merchant ships in this region. Business can be difficult in general, but with many pirates picking them off, it's becoming impossible." Gilder crossed his arms, now turning his attention to the Red Moon that was rising in the distance.
"That can be arranged. Second?" Vanessa didn't bother to ask why he cared about that. It didn't matter.
"This almost goes without saying… but if you have another encounter with the Black Pirates, make sure to kick their asses." Vanessa blinked as Gilder turned back, another fierce grin plastered on his face. "I know you both can do better; I can tell you've both had just a bit too much fun last night!" His eyes were on Skye as he said this, his manner entrenched with jocosity. "Why, I've done that many a time myself!" From the soft chuckle that Skye shared with him, Vanessa concluded what she had been thinking about this gallant man… Gilder's spirit was infectious. She could determine no other explanation as to how he could get her begrudging partner to laugh, despite how the other pirate felt.
"We'll be ready for that last one." Vanessa assured him. Her resolve was clear on her face, and by the expression Skye gave in that moment, she would agree to follow up on that goal. It would not be because of Gilder's asking, though. Not by a long shot. "I believe that we've kept you long enough. Thanks again for the help." Vanessa had seen the restlessness of Gilder's crew and figured that it was a good time to cut off the socializing. Gilder had sensed it too, understanding the abrupt end that Vanessa had suddenly thrust upon them.
"It was no bother. May we meet again under merrier circumstances. Good day to you both." He held out his hand, expecting a shake. Vanessa hesitantly took his hand in hers, making sure that he noted the firm and authoritative grip she gave him. A small, knowing smile crept on his lips as they parted company. Vanessa and Skye were left to watch as the Claudia's crew rejoined with their ship, detaching the bridge between them before roughly pulling it back.
"Well, that was fun." Vanessa commented, her eyes following the departed ship that sailed for the skies of whence they had just came from.
"Can't see why you'd say that." Skye shrugged, looking off to the side. "That fella – Douche? Bitch? – sure felt like laying the insults on ya."
"Butch." Her companion corrected; hazel and blue matching as they looked at one another.
"Whatever." The blonde huffed dismissively. Out of sight; out of mind. "Anyway, you sure seemed in the deceptive mood today, Miss. All formal, courteous, and agreeing to refrain from the very purpose the Red Rogues was formed for! Honestly didn't think they'd buy it but they did; nice work." Skye gleamed with pride as she gazed upon her companion, though it faltered as Vanessa uncomfortably shifted before her, worry apparent on her face. "What?"
"I… wasn't acting." Vanessa rubbed one hand with the other, a nervous habit. "After what had happened and why he chose to spare us… what I had said was very much sincere. I'm sorry, Skye."
"I can't believe this…" The gunslinger groaned. "I didn't argue because I thought you were kidding. Excuse me while I go wretch my stomach's contents in that discarded bucket, kay thanks."
And, true to her word, Skye did indeed go and retrieve her bucket to do that very action, leaving Vanessa to shamefully grimace at the awful sounds her friend purposely articulated in a rather aghast fashion.
Oh well. At least her integrity was still intact.
END CHAPTER 6