Chapter Two
No Tabi Ni Ikou! [2]

Norrington: No additional shot nor powder, a compass that doesn't point north, [looks at Jack's sword] And I half expected it to be made of wood. You are without doubt the worst pirate I've ever heard of.

Jack Sparrow: But you have heard of me.

"BLECH!" Haruhi dumped her luch over the side of the ship once more, resting her dizzy head on her arms.

"You alright there lass?" Ritsu asked, walking over to her with a frown.

"Don't call me lass," she grumbled. "You sound like the guys in the tavern." Ritsu shrugged.

"Pirates," he said vaguely.

"Look!" Tamaki shouted. "Black clouds!" Both of the younger teens' heads snapped up eyes widening at the multitude of black storm clouds on the horizon.

"Tie everything you can down." the red headed captain ordered, rushing over to the mainmast. "Tamaki! Get over here!" Soon the two boys were working on lowering the sails, knowing that there was no way to outrun the sudden storm. Haruhi raced through the ship, slipping a couple of times on the not-so-peaceful waters which were dead calm moments ago, tying down what she could and lowering the small anchor.

The air was frighteningly heavy, weighing down on the newfound adventurers like a heavy quilt. Panic set in, rushing over them as they hurried to settle the rocking ship. A crack of thunder overhead had Haruhi tumbling to the deck with a shriek, arms held protectively over her head.

"Steady there Haruhi!" Ritsu shouted, pulling her to her feet.

"R-right." she said, clenching her jaw. However, her resolve broke when another crack sounded. She leapt into Ritsu's arms, surprising the boy.

"Oh," he said, relazation dawning on his face. "You're afraid of thunder!" She nodded fearfully.

"Oi!" Tamaki shouted, holding onto a rope that had snapped. "What are you doing?" He looked irritated at their close proximity. Ritsu grabbed Haruhi's arm and moved her to the stairwell leading below deck.

"Use this rope," he said, handing her a length of strong rope. "Tie yourself to something. I'm going to help Tamaki." She nodded, carmel eyes wide with fright. Ritsu ran off as she did what he ordered.

"I can't hold it much longer!" Tamaki shouted over the roar of the wind. "The main mast's broken." Ritsu glanced up and, seeing that only a few ropes held it standing, formed an idea.

"Hold on just a bit longer," he commanded, pulling a knife out and clamping it in his mouth. He scrambled up the rigging, loosing his grip a few times when the ship lurched unexpectedly, but always managing to regain it and step up. As he went up, he sliced through the few lines that held it up. "MOVE!" he bellowed, waving Tamaki off. The blond stepped back to the stairwell, holding his arms protectively over the only female sailor onboard. With a grunt, Ritsu cut through the last line holding the mast up and used it to swing to the ground.

As soon as he hit the deck, Tamaki rushed over with Haruhi, who was braving her fear of the thunder, to help lower the mast to the deck. Even with their combined efforts, the mast still left a large hole in the deck.

For the next hour, the boys took turns holding the wheel while the other helped Haruhi empty the ship of water.

With a sigh, Ritsu steered the broken down ship into the bay.

They had made it to a nearby island with only a few scratches and soaked clothes. As they pulled up as close at they could get without running on land, Ritsu slung a bag filled with canteens over his shoulder and leapt off the side, crystal water splashing around his boots.

"All ashore who's goin' ashore!" he called, heading for the wild island. Tamaki mimicked his actons, waiting polietly for Haruhi to climb down the ladder. When he attempted to help her she refused. They picked up their pace and caught up with Ritsu. With a grin, he led them into the treeline.

However, Haruhi and Tamaki were soon regretting their little voyage into the jungle, about an hour later, as flies buzzed around them, nipping at their exposed necks. The sun beat down on them, making them sweat as they treked on, damp clothes sticking to them. Once or twice, Ritsu noticed them stumbling from exhaustion and dehydration.

With cheerful words of encouragement, he prodded them on, promising water and rest when they reached a cooler spot.

When they actually did, Ritsu, perhaps, was the most shocked.

The air was lighter in this little clearing than the rest of the path they took. A gurgle of water met their ears, a cheerful little sound that had them licking their lips in anticipation of something wet and cool to satisfy their parched throats.

But, before they could even move to the stream, a voice broke through the air.

"Hey!"

A/N: Did you like it?

- Darkness Revolution - thanks for the Review! Yes, there are a few familiar voices in One Piece. Nami and Hunny are both voiced by the same woman in the FUNimation dubs.