A/N: I'm glad you all seem to be enjoying story so far. Your response has been amazing. Thank you.
If you didn't pick it up from the last chapter, Kyoko will now be referring to Ren as Kuon during her parts, while he will stay Ren during his section. I hope its not confusing, but you all appear to be smart readers. You are reading my story after all. *laughs conceitedly (not really)*
Alas, I owneth not.
Chapter 8: Chase
Clang!
Kyoko felt the reverberation from the strike travel down her arm. She glanced up at the blade that had been stopped inches from the crown of her head by her own crossed blades. Realizing how close it had come made a bead of sweat slip down her cheek. She flicked her eyes to the face of her attacker.
His dark green eyes flashed in approval. "Good," Kuon complimented, pulling his blade away. Kyoko allowed her arms to drop. The muscles shivered from exhaustion and her shoulders ached from the long practice. "You're getting the hang of it."
Though she was drained, Kyoko managed a pleased smile for her friend. Over the past few days, she'd been training in a new style of fighting. Before she'd only been practicing with her sword, but Kuon had insisted on teaching her to utilize her dagger as well. This sword and dagger technique allowed for increased defense and an extra weapon.
In the beginning, she'd kept forgetting that she had two weapons and would end up concentrating on only using her sword. But now she was getting used to wielding with both arms.
Even if it made her twice as tired.
She wiped the sweat from her brow with the upper part of her sleeve. She really needed to find a bandanna or something to tie around her forehead. Her hair was starting to get too long.
A swishing sound brought her attention back to her captain. He was cutting a figure eight in the air with his blade. 'It's unfair,' she thought as she watched him. 'He doesn't seem to have broken a sweat.' In fact, he stood there, sans coat and waistcoat, looking as cool as if he hadn't been practicing for the past two hours, his white shirt pristine and sweat-free. When he faced her, the smirk on his face told her that he had noticed her envying look. She found herself becoming even hotter than before. 'Unfair.'
"Are you ready for another go?" Kuon's deep voice broke through her revery.
She groaned and rolled one of her poor shoulders. "Don't suppose we could take a breather?" She asked hopefully.
He shrugged indifferently as he sheathed his saber. "If you like." He brushed a hand through his hair. As he did so, the sun glinted off it, turning the dark strands golden. A memory was sparked and Kyoko squinted at her friend.
"Kuon?"
"Hmm?" He turned towards her.
"Weren't you blond?"
He started and smiled quizzically at her seemingly random question. He fingered a lock of hair that had fallen out of the short tail that he usually wore. "Yes," he finally answered. "But Lory thought that this was a better look for a pirate." He shrugged. "It's just walnut dye."
"Lory's the Pirate King, right?"
The captain nodded. "Yes. He's also the one who helped me into the piracy business."
Kyoko perked up. Since their official reunion several days ago, she and Kuon had been catching up every evening after working on the scroll. She'd heard many stories of his childhood and more of his pirating tales, but the one he hadn't divulged was how he had become Ren Tsuruga. Maybe this was her chance to find out. "What happened if you don't mind my asking?"
He considered her eager face. "If I was to share that with anyone," he began and her heart sank. "I guess it would be you."
Her heart soared even as she noticed his darkening expression. Kuon leaned his back against the rail, crossing his arms over his chest. Kyoko put up her own blades and joined him, only facing out towards the ocean and leaning on her arms. She kept silent, allowing him to begin in his own time.
Eventually, he spoke. "You remember when I left?" She nodded. "Well, I didn't go to a fairy land per se. My father was made governor of a holding on Barbados. So we relocated." He swiped his hand through his loose hair again. "That's when we met Lory. He attacked our ship, but my father managed to talk him out of robbing us and they became friends."
"What did he say?" She asked, curious as to how one dissuaded a pirate.
Kuon laughed. "I have no idea. Lory won't give me a straight answer and I never asked my father. Anyway," he continued. "We arrived safely, more or less. However, the next few years were horrible for me." He turned and copied her pose, but his eyes were unseeing, staring back into the past. "My father was a great naval officer. Perhaps you've heard of him. Kuu Hizuri?"
She gasped. "You're the son of Admiral Hizuri?"
He gave her a sad smile. "Yes and that's the reaction I've been getting my whole life." An angry expression replaced the sadness. "People expected me to be just like him or only wanted me around because of that connection. I struggled so hard against those opinions that sometimes it felt like I couldn't breath. That's how I ended up in Hyde Park that day."
"And I called you 'Corn' and didn't know who you really were," she said in sudden realization.
He nodded. "Exactly. It was a relief."
Kyoko reached over and squeezed his arm, offering support. "I'm glad I could help you, even if I thought you were a fairy."
Smiling warmly at her, he covered her hand with his own and her face warmed. "Trust me, I enjoyed every moment I spent with you." His expression turned introspective. "After arriving in Barbados, everything became worse. I couldn't seem to do anything on my own merit so I began to act wildly." He looked embarrassed. "I'm ashamed now of all the things I did, but there was no one who could stop me."
"Didn't you have any friends?" She asked.
"Just one. Rick. He was a soldier at the local garrison and he would join me on my escapades." He paused thoughtfully. "Now that I think on it, perhaps my father asked him to keep an eye on me." He took a deep breath as if steeling himself. "One night we were out with his fiancée, Tina, and I got into a fight. I don't even remember what the fight was about, but the man was going to shoot me and Rick... He-" Kuon's voice trembled and he sucked in a harsh breath. "He-"
"He saved you."
Her friend closed his eyes and jerked his head in agreement. "He pushed me out of the way. The bullet went straight through him." Kuon glanced over to her. "Do you think that makes me a murderer?"
She started in shock. "No! You're not the one who pulled the trigger. Why would you think that?"
"It's what Tina called me afterwards. I can't blame her." Despair covered his face. "If I hadn't gotten into that fight, if I hadn't been friends with him, if I hadn't been born, Rick would still be..." He gripped his hair and his shoulders began to hitch in gentle sobs.
Kyoko's heart broke. Her friend had suffered so much, was still suffering. She wrapped one arm around his waist, while the other grasped his arm. She lay her head against his shoulder as he wept. Soon his cries softened and she raised her head. "What happened next?" She asked softly.
He wiped the remaining tears away. "I spiraled even more out of control. A few weeks after Rick's- after, I was drowning my guilt at a tavern when Lory walked in. He sat down and offered me a choice: to stay there and slowly kill myself or to go with him and make my name." He managed a watery smirk. "Guess which one I chose?"
They lapsed into silence. Kyoko could feel the tension in his arms as if he expected her to reject him at any moment. 'Well, that's not going to happen,' she thought fiercely. She considered what would be the best response to his confession. For that's what it was and she was now responsible for his absolution.
"I think," she finally ventured. "That you should try to forgive yourself and let go of the past. There's no point in obsessing over it." He lifted his head and she met his incredulous stare and continued. "Think of it this way: if none of that had happened, would you be here now?"
He gazed out at the ocean, thinking. "No," he eventually answered, his voice soft. "I don't believe so."
"Now answer this: are you happy with where you are now? Who you're with now? With what you are doing now?"
He stood straight, causing her arms to fall away, and stared down into her face. "Yes." His voice was stronger.
She nodded, satisfied with his answer. "Then everything that has led to this moment has been worth it. The pain, the loss, everything is worth it if you are happy now."
"But what about Rick? Do I just forget him?"
"No." She shook her head. "You honor his sacrifice by living the life he gave to you and let go of your guilt."
Kuon just stared at her for several moments. Finally, he huffed a laugh. "I suppose you're right." Then he offered a gentle smile. "Tell me, Kyoko, by that same logic, are you happy?"
Considering her past and the anger she held against certain nameless people, Kyoko realized she should take her own advice and let go. It would be hard to do, she knew this, but she had to serve as an example for Kuon. If she could do it, so could he. She grinned widely up at him and said, "Yes, I have been led to a good job, wonderful friends, and you. So I am very happy."
If she didn't know better, she would say that her captain was blushing. "Me? I make you happy?"
"Of course, Kuon." She found herself blushing along with him. "You are my closest friend." Strange how he seemed closer than before. How his hand was gripping hers lightly. "I-I mean, I don't know what I'd do without you." Why did his face seem that much nearer? Kyoko found her eyes drifting to his mouth, wondering if his lips were-
"Captain!"
Kyoko and the captain leapt apart, with him cursing a blue streak, as Hikaru came running up to them. Kuon cleared his throat and turned to the boatswain. "What is it, Mr. Hikaru?" Was it her imagination or did he sound angry. It must have been real, judging by Hikaru's slightly confused expression
"Uh, Mr. Kijima's spotted a ship off our stern and requests your presence," he stammered in response.
Kuon sighed heavily. "Alright, I'll go. Ms. Mogami." With a short bow, he took his leave.
The two crew mates watched the captain walk away before the boatswain turned to her and asked, "Did I interrupt something?"
Flushing, she shook her head. "Of course not, Hikaru. We were just talking."
"Right," he drawled, an amused look on his face. "And I'm a giant chicken."
She huffed and rolled her eyes. Chicken jokes were thick on the ground ever since San Juan. Her little white hen, Beau, had taken to following her around the galley like a dog and the crew ate up the sight.
"Well, at least you've gotten over your embarrassment," she teased back.
"Hey," he said. "Now that you're a girl, I can't tell dirty jokes anymore."
She laughed at the pout he was giving her. "Don't worry. I can handle a limerick or two, even if I am female."
The whole crew had been amazingly understanding about her deception. With very few issues and surprisingly quickly, life had returned to its normal routine, only now everyone called her either Ms. Mogami or just Kyoko. It endeared them to her even more, if that was possible.
"So what did Mr. Kijima spot?" She asked.
'A ship coming up fast off our starboard stern."
"Oh?" That wasn't strange. They had passed many such ships in the same way.
"Yeah, he thinks it's that Frenchie's ship, the Vie Ghoul- Hey Kyoko, where are you going?"
"Sorry, Hikaru," she shot over her shoulder as she dashed after the captain. "You might want to warn the crew of a possible fight."
She was gone before Hikaru could properly respond.
O.o.O
Ren approached the stern of the ship where his lookout was perched on the railing, spyglass to his eye. "One of these days, Mr. Kijima," he said as he stepped up to join the tall man, "you're going to fall overboard and I don't know if I'll bother to save you."
The lookout removed the glass from his eye and smirked at the captain. "Please, you know you would miss me. Life would be too dull without me."
"Miss all your womanizing and complaining? Never." Ren chuckled and slapped his shoulder. "So what have you got?"
Kijima passed over the spyglass and pointed off to the starboard side. "Looks like a galleon, coming up fast. She's flying no colors. Might be that French bloke."
"Hmm." He brought the glass to his eye and searched the horizon. Soon he found the ship and examined her. He could see tiny figures scurrying about the deck, but couldn't make out any specifics. The ship itself was generic, no distinctive coloring or rigging to identify her. Without a flag, it was hard to tell if she was friend or foe, although no flag suggested pirates.
The galleon did seem to be pointed straight at the Dark Moon, so he had to assume she was coming for them. Then, as he watched, a flag was run up and unfurled in the wind. A long black pennant edged in white with a red skeleton laying on its side.
With a curse, Ren collapsed the spyglass and tossed it back to Kijima. "That's Reino for sure. How long do you think we have?"
The lookout shrugged. "Hour? Hour and a half? She's moving fast." He paused. "Are they coming for our pretty new cook?"
Ren frowned at this description. Kijima had a bad habit of picking up and dropping lovers like they were going out of fashion. He'd really hoped that the philanderer hadn't noticed Kyoko, but it looked as if those prayers had gone unanswered. "Mr. Kijima, why don't you go fly our colors and prep the gun deck?"
Obviously sensing that he'd live longer if he avoided the subject of their cook, Kijima snapped a quick salute and hurried to acquiesce. As he turned, he almost crashed into the very girl he'd been asking about. "Pardon, miss." With a tug at his cap, Kijima continued on, shouting orders.
Kyoko barely noticed the handsome rake as she joined Ren at the railing and rested her palms on the wood. "Is it him?" She asked, a quiver in her voice.
There was no point in lying. "Yes." She curled her hands into balls and ducked her head, her shoulders trembling. Ren reached out and laid a hand on her back. "It's alright to be scared."
A low growl came from the girl, confusing the captain. "I'm not scared," she spat out, smacking one fist on the rail. She lifted her head and he was surprised and pleased to see a fire burning deep in her gaze. "I'm furious. How dare he! That worthless dog!" She whirled and paced back and forth. "What are we going to do?"
'That's my girl,' he thought with pride before answering her. "We'll try to outrun him and if that fails, we'll fight and hope for the best."
"Why not head for port?"
He shook his head. "Closest port is at least a full day's sail away. We'd never make it." He glanced back at the galleon following them. "No, our best bet is to disable his ship then escape."
She followed his gaze thoughtfully. "OK," she said after a moment.
"OK?" He was amazed at her quick acceptance. The plan was nowhere near foolproof, in fact it had holes big enough to sail a ship through.
"Yes, I trust you."
When she smiled up at him, Ren felt his stomach flop over and squirm. She trusted him. It was a enormous responsibility, one he was not confident he could fulfill. Sure, his crew trusted him to make correct decisions, but somehow her trust was more precious to him.
Squaring his shoulders, Ren smiled back at her. "Thank you." He turned to make his way back to the main deck. "I'd better get everyone moving if we're going to have a fight.'
"Oh," she said. "I already told Hikaru to warn everyone."
He shot her a look of approval. "Good move. That'll make things easier." She blushed at the compliment. "If you come up with any other ideas, please inform me."
She nodded. "I will." He had already started down the stairs when he heard a quiet "good luck" from behind him. He glanced behind him and saw Kyoko with her hands clasped to her chest and eyes on him. Ren gave a quick nod of acknowledgement, then continued on his way.
There was much to do and little time to do it in.
O.o.O
An hour later found Ren down on the gun deck, aiding in prepping the cannons. They had a grand total of twelve, six on each side, not bad for a ship of their size. Unfortunately, they didn't have the manpower to use every single cannon at the same time. Usually, they had to pick one side to man and hope their enemy didn't attack both sides.
He had just finished helping move the final cannon into position when Yashiro appeared at his elbow. "They're almost in range, captain," he reported.
Ren nodded and tied off his rope. He gave a quick two finger salute to Kijima then followed his first mate onto the quarterdeck.
The Vie Ghoul was about a mile off and closing fast. Honestly, he was surprised they hadn't begun firing. 'Perhaps he doesn't have any long nines,' he thought hopefully.
That theory was killed when a loud 'BOOM' came from the galleon. A large plume of water exploded off the port stern, about fifty yards short of the Dark Moon. A second shot was fired, this time on the starboard side. They were trying to get their range.
"All hands prepare for attack," he shouted, sending his men scurrying as the cannon fire continued. He looked around the purposeful chaos and didn't see a certain young cook. 'Maybe she's downstairs.' He doubted it though.
"Mr. Yashiro, have you seen Ms. Mogami?"
The first mate shook his head. "Not since earlier, sir."
"Well, where the hell-"
"Captain!" The yell seemed to come from above.
Realizing who was calling for him, Ren rolled his eyes and threw his hands up in frustration. "Of course she's aloft. Where else should she be? It's not like we're in a dangerous sea battle or anything," he grumbled, looking up in time to watch as Kyoko leapt from a yardarm and used a rope and the mast to repel her way to the deck. She landed in a crouch and gave him a slightly manic grin.
He laughed and shook his head, impressed in spite of the danger. The girl was certainly brave, if not a bit reckless. He suspected she would be the death of him one of these days. "What were you doing up there, Ms. Mogami?"
"Looking for ideas" was her cheeky answer.
He crossed his arms. "Oh? And did you find any?"
Her grin grew wider, if that was possible, and that was answer enough. She tossed him his spyglass (she must have borrowed it from Kijima) and pointed off the starboard side. "What do you see over there, captain?"
He didn't actually need the glass to see the dangerous wall of rocks. "I see no escape on that side." He peered at her curiously, wondering where she was going with this. "What do you see?"
"Well," she responded. "From above," she pointed up, "I can see a path through the rocks." At his incredulous stare, she continued, "We're smaller and shallower on the draft, right?" He nodded. "Well, there's a spot in that wall that I believe we can fit through."
"Show me," he said, collapsing the eyeglass and tucking it into his belt.
She grinned wildly and scurried up the rigging like a monkey, leaving him to follow as best he could. When they reached the yardarm and were balanced precariously, she pointed to a spot about half a mile distant. Ren extracted his glass and peered through it. He found the spot and saw that she was right. It would be a tight fit but they could do it.
And the most important fact was that Reino's ship wouldn't be able to follow.
"It's perfect, Kyoko," he exclaimed, excited at the prospect of pulling off the trick. "We just have to get there." He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Now get below deck," he ordered as he began to climb back down.
He didn't notice how Kyoko froze or eventually rubbed the spot his lips had touched with a stunned smile on her face. He was too busy barking orders.
"Ishibashis, get me more speed from those sails. Ogata, turn 5 degrees to starboard, I'll be taking over in a moment. Kijima, load some ball-and-chain shot on the starboard side. I want to try to take out their masts. Everyone else, prepare yourselves! It's going to be a bumpy ride."
Ren dashed up to the wheelhouse and took the wheel from Ogata. "Go down and help with the cannons." The helmsman nodded and ran off. He watched as the brothers and a couple of others climbed the rigging and began loosening and tightening ropes, trying to coax more wind into the sails.
He glanced over his shoulder in time to see a cannonball clip the stern railing and sail off the side. Splinters of wood showered him and Ren felt a searing pain along his upper arm. Looking at the area showed a rip in his sleeve tinged with red.
There wasn't much he could do about it at the moment though. If he wasn't careful with this turning, the ship could keel over and present Reino a prime target.
There was one last thing he could do. "Kotonami," he called. The young woman was on the lower deck securing the lifelines of those in the rigging. She finished the last one and joined the captain with a salute.
"Aye, sir?"
"Find Kyoko." He fixed her with a fierce stare. "You are to defend her with your life if we're captured. Do you understand me?"
Kotonami gave him a strange look, but didn't argue. She just nodded her understanding and dashed off, looking for her charge.
Ren sighed, then flinched when a more substantial cracking came from below his feet. It sounded as if they had hit his cabin. Bastards.
The path was approaching, so Ren began to spin the wheel into the turn. He was sure he was confusing the hell out of the crew of the Vie Ghoul.
"Here goes nothing," he muttered as he aimed for the deadly rocks.