Chapter Eleven
Itazura Kukkuboi! [1]
"Doesn't the fight for survival also justify swindle and theft? In self defence, anything goes."
- Imelda Marcos
"I can see land up head!" Haruhi called from the crow's nest, looking at an island. The ships flag fluttered in the breeze above her head.
The Jolly Roger was black, with a skull surrounded by several muliticolored roses, one for each member of the crew. Kaoru, the resident artist onboard, had taken the time to stitch it carefully, coming out with a beautiful image.
"What's the name of this island?" Ritsu asked, the crew's navigator.
"Itsuwari No Pureisu," Mitskuni said, frowning at the charts. "Who in their right mind would name an island Place of Deciet?"
"Thieves and beggars," Ritsu said grimly, making his way over to the main mast. "Haruhi! A word please."
The first mate climbed down the rigging carefully, finally standing before her captain.
"Aye, sir?" she asked, watching him.
"This island we're going to dock at is dangerous, especially for women." Seeing her try to protest, he went on quickly. "I know you can take care of yourself, but let's not take any chances." Haruhi grimaced, but nodded. "Good. Go get some mens' clothes from Kyouya and put them on before we get there."
"Aye, aye." she said resignedly. Ritsu watched her walk below deck.
"Of all the places we had to restock in," he sighed, taking the wheel. "It just had to be here."
Haruhi walked out on deck, her long brown hair flowing down her back. She marched up to Ritsu, dressed in breeches over boots, a loose white button up, and a dark brown vest. The red head looked at her appraisingly.
"Very nice, though something will have to be done about your hair. Put it up in a bun" Haruhi did so, and he pulled off his leather tricorn hat. "Don't lose this." He set it atop her head, effectively hiding her hair and finishing her image of a boy.
"Oh, wow! Haru-chan looks so cute!" Mitskuni said, flowers appearing in the air around him. Kaoru and Tamaki stared at her while Takashi gave her an aknowloging nod.
"Nice," he said shortly.
"Right then," Ritsu said, clapping his hands together. A pair of gold rings set with blood red stones rested on his forefingers, glinting in the sunlight. "We meet back at the ship at noon. Haruhi, you're with me. Kyouya, watch Tamaki. Hikaru, Kaoru, don't burn the city down. Takashi, Mitskuni do . . . whatever it is you do. Ready? Let's move out then!"
Mitskuni and Takashi wandered around the dirty market place, searching for a sword shop. Sleazy fruit sellers and peddlers littered the streets, crying out with hoarse voices as they advertised their wares.
"There," Takashi said suddenly, pointing to an unusually clean shop.
"Alright!" Mitskuni said, running inside.
Shinning swords covered the wooden walls, making them seem silver. Barrels full of swords were lined up against the walls, cheaper than the ones displayed behind the counter. A man with long, scraggly brown hair snoozed in a chair. A plump woman with dirty blond hair looked up from cleaning the counters, taking in their well-kept apperance approvingly.
"Help yerselves," she said, smiling. Takashi nodded as Mitskuni grinned.
Kaoru walked through the market, heading for the nicer part of town, a bundle of bright fabric in his arms. Hikaru rode on his head, watching the little beggar boys and hissing at them when they tried to touch the soft silks.
He opened the door to a clean shop and walked in, the bell tinkling above him. A woman dressed in mauve met him at the counter, eyeing him suspiciously.
"Are you buying?" he asked, looking at her.
"Depends on what you're selling," she sniffed.
Kaoru set the silks on the table, pulling out a large piece of emerald green.
The dress was floor length, trimmed with intricately designed lace and pearls sewn into the bodice.
"How about this?" he asked, grinning.
"Oh! Let's buy this! And this! And one of those! Let's buy one of these for Haruhi! And one for me! And one for you!"
Kyouya sighed, wondering how he had let himself be put in charge of babysitting Tamaki.
"Why are we here again?" Haruhi asked, keeping her head low as she walked by Ritsu's side, ignoring the leers of the filthy vendors.
"We can get good food here at a good price." Haruhi glanced at a barrel of rotting fish and shuddered.
"Not from these people, I hope." she muttered.
They entered a warm tavern.
Despite its location, it was fairly nice. Candles rested on the tables, quiet sailors crowding around the tables, glancing up at the two teens before turning back to their interests.
"'Ello Rosie," Ritsu grinned, swaggering up to a girl with strawberry blond hair and pretty green eyes."You got anything for me." Rosie smiled, reaching behind the counter.
"Here you are, Mr. Kasadona." she said, handing him a large bag.
"Girlfriend?" Haruhi asked, as they walked out.
"Just a friend," he replied, watching the other teen pick up a little four year old.
"I'm gonna take a nap," the captain said, heading below as they reached the ship. Tamaki rushed over to Haruhi, showering her with gifts as the others sat off to one side, counting profits from the silks they sold (Hikaru and Kaoru), examining their new weapons (Takashi and Mitskuni), or plotting ways to take over the world in secret (three guesses who).
"Heh," an unfamiliar voice muttered. "I'm finally outta that place for good."
A/N:
- MinusOne - thanks! You never know with Kyouya. . .