Chapter 8: The First Mate

How does it feel to die? Is it feeling empty and scorned? Or is it feeling weightless? Or perhaps feeling as if you are floating in a no gravity place, surrounded by only darkness. Your mind thinking of nothing and just literally empty. And you can't feel anything at all.

Pressure. Air. Pain. Hunger. I feel like dying. The surrounding was covered with maze that my mind couldn't grasp at the situation. What's happening? What's this pressure in my chest? Air, air is rushing down to my lungs. Something is painful in my hand. What's happening to me? What's this kind of discomfort? Why do I feel like I'm chasing every bit of air in my lungs? And there's pressure in my stomach.

Gasping, I coughed at the sudden urge of air in my throat. The muffled sound of shuffling feet reached my ears as my senses came back to me. Feeling drowning, I gasped for more air. That's the scariest sleeping experience I've ever had. It felt almost a nightmare. And I was dying.

"Water, give me water!"

I heard muffled voices, or maybe my sense of hearing was just dull. I can't hear anything clearly. I opened my eyes and saw the unclear figures of men in front of me. They forced me to drink a cold tasteless liquid and as it gushed down my throat, I felt ache. I cried out in pain and coughed. Somehow, I felt better after gulping the liquid and my breathing slightly calmed down.

"Make her drink more, she's dying out of hunger, it will help her."

Another deep baritone voice echoed and I agree with him so much. I am dying out of hunger, a very undignified and cheap way to die. I didn't die in waves and drowning, but in hunger for not eating anything for several days.

"Ready her foods, she needs to eat. She's still sick and pale."

"What a poor thing, dying out of hunger is too easy. I wish you good luck in your journey in afterlife."

"Bastard, she won't die."

"She doesn't look that good, we can make a bet if she will or not. And of course I'll bet she will."

"Stop it or I'll kill you."

"Shut up, okay?"

These pirates are quite annoying, how can they talk about my death in front of me? And to make a bet, they must be so bored of their lives. Just they wait until I get better.

It took me more drinks until I managed to recognize every face I see. My vision started to clear though I felt weak still. The pirates seemed amused that I'm still alive, guess what? I'm actually lucky. In a single whistle, they gave way to Dread, Loquet and captain Jehovah.

"Go back to your posts, enough gossiping," said the Captain.

The crews obeyed without batting an eye, Hades helped me stand to sit again in a chair. I don't remember falling on the floor, maybe they made me lay down there? Or perhaps I really did fall. My stomach growled at the delicious smell of foods served in a wooden tray. A smoking hot bread placed beside a soup awakened the beast inside my stomach and in no time, I found myself grabbing it for a big bite.

The bread tasted so good that I can't get enough of it, five big bites and the bread's gone. I took the wooden spoon and dipped it with the soup. Just like the bread, the soup tasted superiorly delicious. Next was the fried fish, marinated meat and some cabbages. I've never been this hungry my whole life, I'm well aware of the eyes watching me and my unladylike eating behavior but that's at the least of my concerns now.

I don't want to die yet and certainly not in hunger. Nobody dared break the silence, the dining hall was as quiet as the sea at night and the only noise is the spoon hitting the wooden bowl. I finished eating in less than three minutes, that's how hungry I was. Gulping the water, I grabbed the apple and made a big bite to it. Its juice dripped in the corner of my lips as I chew it mercilessly. At last, I'm full and I feel even more energetic and powerful now. Far from dying.

That was when I realized I was too shameless for a lady of high status. I awkwardly gazed at the four men and one boy in front of me. They're all speechless and unmoving, I literally shrieked in my seat in embarrassment. The quiet hall was brushed off by a cold wind coming from the deck, followed by Orion's chuckle that gradually bursted into a loud bark of laughter. My face heated and I saw him holding unto his stomach. The brute is happy!

"Wow, that was a one quick meal," he said in between his laughters. "You ate like a hungry beast. A greedy pirate. Too afraid to die out of hunger, eh?"

Darn him.

"How're the foods? Our chef cooks great, don't he?" He added. "You are very lucky. How many times did you almost die? Lady luck must be fond of you she can't let you fall under mischief."

"You saved her, you are lady luck in disguise," Hades butted in with a smile.

"Of course, I can't let my Kali die. She's worth the air I gave," he replied, laughing still.

I averted my gaze at the remaining three men who were watching me intently. I saw the amusement in Dread's dark ambers, and I'm not a bit happy of it. Captain Jehovah let out a deep breathe and clicked his tongue.

"I would lose the wager if I joined the bet, good thing I didn't."

Oh, that freaking bet again.

"I wonder until when will she be lucky," Dread muttered. "She's too weak, she's already at her limits. She will die the next time she meets mischief."

"Don't worry, Dread. I'll train her into a strong female warrior. Another female warrior of the sea, a beautiful pirate," Orion replied as he smirked at me.

I gulped in the mention of train. He'll train me? How? Why would he? Why is he investing so much time with me? We all glanced at Poseidon when he left without breathing a word. Captain Jehovah went after him and then Dread. I noticed the tension with the other pirates and they all went to the main deck.

"Stay with her, Malik. I'll see what's going on outside," Orion ordered Hades.

He was about to leave when I stood up and followed him, he halted as he glanced at me.

"Stay here, you're still sick."

"I am okay now, I just want to see what's happening outside."

"Alanah, it might be another pirate ship. Enemies," Hades told me.

My forehead creased but Orion has successfully left without tugging me. I heard the gossip of the crews and it triggered me more to come out. I thought of a brilliant idea how to trick Hades. I frowned and groaned, acting that my head is aching. He wasn't that hard to fool for he immediately came to my aid.

"What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I feel a little dizzy, can you bring me back to my cabin instead? I want to rest."

"Fine, let's hurry up so you could rest immediately."

I resisted a smirk when we started tracing the floors out to the main deck, I didn't expect he's this gullible. Or is he really gullible? Maybe he's just too kind he wants me to rest. I spotted the pirates on post when we're in the main deck watching another ship sailing fast away from us. It was strange that they were all alerted and our ship is also sailing faster. As if they are trying not to come in a close contact with the ship next to ours.

I saw Captain Jehovah standing firmly behind Loquet who was also standing behind the helm, while sucking a big tobacco. Dread and Orion are also behind them, looking arrogantly formidable. We were near the cabin deck when I had a glimpse of the golden ship sailing far away from us. I halted in an instant, feeling doubtful yet hopeful of the sight.

A big golden ship with a familiar flag. My heart boomed and pounded violently as I realized it was my brother's ship. It's the Mozart! But it's sailing too fast away from us, from me. I can't believe it just passed through Lost Paradise. And I am here!

"No...Lucidei! No, wait for me!"

I screamed as I was driven by my emotions. I found myself running forward and my hand reaching for my brother's fading ship. It's too far now. The pirates got alerted and they all turned to me.

"Alanah!"

"No, Lucidei! I'm here, I'm here! Come back!"

In split seconds, I reached near the helm, near the four big and high ranking pirates of Lost Paradise. However, before I could even pass them, Orion caught my waist and he stopped me from advancing. I resisted when he lifted me back behind them, I pushed him away and anger boiled within me. Why won't he let me be? Why is he always getting in the way?

"Get off me! That's my brother! I need to get to him!"

Shock was evident to their faces as soon as words escaped my mouth. They glanced at each other, dumbfounded. They glanced at the Mozart ship which was fading quickly in my eyes. I felt down knowing that I was almost there, Lucidei is just there, yet he didn't know I'm here. Held as captive.

"No..."

"Brother? You are the Mozart Captain's sister?" Orion blurted out, stunned. "Then that means, you are a princess! Damn it, you are a princess! I've got a princess in the ship. How's that father? Not bad at all."

I hate that he's rejoicing at the information. I glared at him and how I strongly wish he'll fall down the railing and get drown in the waves. Disregard the idea that he can swim, just drown him or feed his body to the sharks. How I hate him!

The rest stayed quiet and motionless, they didn't even glance at him and instead, everyone turned to me. I felt a series of uncomfortable feeling, I wonder what they're thinking now? Do they also hate people like me because I came from a land of no hunger?

"Just let me go, why won't you let me go?" I asked, stiffed. "Now I lose the chance of going back to my brother. You said I'm a Kali, and that I bring nothing but destruction, mischief and death. So why won't you let me!?"

"Do you think you'll get in the Mozart alive?" Suddenly, Loquet answered without looking at me.

The coldness and hostility in his voice were enough to silence me, plus the fact that he's got a point. I don't know how to swim, how would I reach my brother? Even if I will shout on top of my lungs, he was already too far to hear me. But there's a canoe in here, right? Maybe I can oar it until I'm near the Mozart.

"I will try, at least I tried," I replied in anger. "It's just the same, I will also die in here. I can't live a life like this, I am no pirate and I will not settle for being a captive."

"But you are in the sea, you can't say that when in fact, you sailed with your brother. He's a pirate, and whoever board a pirate ship should bear the burden and responsibility of being a pirate."

"I am no pirate!" I yelled frustratedly, breathing ragged. "Let's go back to the Island, they're heading there. Let's go back, please!"

I've never begged my whole life, but today I'd made an exception. I would beg again if that's what it takes for them to sail back to the Island. But they also heaved heavily. Captain Jehovah finally spared me a glance, his dark, cold and dangerous eyes pierced me. Smokes flew out through his long white beard. Dread glanced at me over his shoulder and only his left eye was seen because of his triangular hat.

"You should know that once we leave, we don't come back unless there's a great reason to," he said out of boredom. His voice screams boredom.

"It was actually the Mozart, we've been avoiding to have a close contact with the Mozartians, young lady," said the Captain. "Or there will be another series of bloodshed. Meeting the Mozartians means catching on a battle. A real battle that may cost the lives of my crews. Right now, I can't lose anyone of them."

"But I need to see my brother."

"And who told you you're free to go?"

Orion's bitter voice got my attention. I gazed at him and frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"Have you forgotten that you are my possession now? You are actually my captive, I gave up the map I stole from the other rouge pirates for you. I don't think I can just let you go and leave me."

"Shut up! I am not your possession!"

"You are really sick, you've forgotten about how I had you from captain Ohada." He smirked. "If I were you, I'll enjoy being my captive. After all you are taken care of very well, I won't even let a fly touch your skin."

"You are disgusting," I mumbled.

He just smirked at me until I grew uncomfortable so I decided to turn around and ran towards the cabin. When I entered mine, I let out a heavy breath and fell into my bed. I missed this little room after I left it for days. I spent the next few hours sulking while reading a book. I didn't expect to find one in the cabinet where my trousers and shirts were. I entertained myself by reading until I fell asleep.

I woke up in a knock at my door, I hurriedly fixed myself before peeking who might it be. Thankfully, it's Hades and he's got me a tray of foods. I let him in and apologized for leaving him earlier without a single word. He left after I had my lunch, I spent the rest of the day rolling in my bed while reading a book. I slept late after having dinner, still reading the book I was so engrossed with.

The next days were boring as I spent them just inside my four cornered room. I actually did that to sulk and show to everyone that I'm mad. But it seems like nobody cares if I'm mad or sad. They would just let me sulk until I get bored. In the end, I decided to watch the sunshine in the main deck. It was a clear day and the storm has finally passed. The clouds are gone and the sky is clear with the unforgiving sun spreading its hotness anywhere.

I gazed at the endless horizon which stood as the barrier so the sea and the sky won't met. While doing so, I felt tranquility as my train of thoughts continued. What am I doing? Why am I caging myself in the idea that I'm a damsel in distress and that I need a savior to escape this world?

Orion's words haunted me for days, he's right, why won't I try to enjoy the perks of being his captive? I am actually taken care of very well. I got to eat thrice a day, good foods, I do nothing but read a book the whole day. I sleep more comfortably than them. So why won't I try to enjoy being in this ship? He said he will train me, that actually sounds interesting.

"So, finally, you left your little place."

Speaking of which, Orion's baritone voice filled my ears. I wasted no time and turned to him, he looked neat and fresh in his crimson shirt and black trousers. He has no armor today and his long brown hair falls above his shoulders. His tanned skin shone in the sun's rays. And to be honest, he's got a good looking face.

"Are you starstrucked of my face? You've been staring at me for almost three minutes now. I feel shy, my Kali is hooked."

Why is he so full of himself? I frowned and glance at his sword.

"You only have one sword, how would we do the training?"

He was shocked at my question but his facial expression brightened in a brief moment. His smile widened and he seemed interested.

"Well, I have another sword hidden under my trouser. It's quite huge and powerful, I can use it, too."

"Sword...where? Did it fit under your trouser?"

In an instant, he bursted out laughing. His loud and thunderous voice echoed across the main deck and perhaps up to the crow's nest. Some pirates on post glanced our way with unexplainable expressions on their faces. As if they can't believe what they're seeing. Even Hades who just got out of the cabins halted.

"What's so funny? Why are you laughing? I thought you will train me," I said while squinting my eyes on him.

He tried stifling his laughter but he just couldn't, he chuckled as he cleared his throat several times. He bit his lips and shook his head.

"You are too innocent, how would you live your life sailing if you're too soft and very pure of the world's darkest secrets?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Now that you are under my great influence, I'll teach you the things your brother hid from you."

He gave me his sword and I stared at it for few minutes, wondering how would I hold it properly. He chuckled and urged me to hold it.

"That's my catlass, if you think that's too heavy for you, just tell me."

"How about yours? This is what I'll use?"

"I'll get mine, and yes, you will use a sword at your first training."

As soon as I took his sword, he strode back to his cabin. It took him a few minutes before he came back with an even, sharper sword. Or a catlass as what he calls it. I held the sword with my both hands, it's heavy and sharp. I'm worried that it might hurt me, but I should fight that feeling if I want to learn.

"If you want to win a fight, don't be afraid to get hurt," he said loudly and smashed his sword across the air. It left me in awe. "Hurting means winning. And winning means killing. It's either you will get killed, or you will kill for your life. Do you understand?"

I honestly don't know what to say, do I really have to kill in order to survive? What if I can't?

"Alanah, do you understand?"

I jolted in shock when his voice grew louder and thicker. I nodded at him almost countless times due to panic. He smirked and nodded at me, too. He stepped backwards and positioned himself as if, he's about to accept slams from me.

"Make a stance, put one of your feet forward and hold your sword tighter. Focused on me, always, always watch your enemy's moves and ready yourself for whatever is coming your way."

"I get it."

"Great. Then, straighten your back and arms. Protect yourself with your sword. Hold it like it's a part of you, of your breath and your soul. Your weapon will be your greatest ally."

Hold it like it's a part of me? I wonder how should I do that. Good thing I had enough strength to hold his heavy weapon in front of me. I straightened my back and put tension in my feet behind me. I readied myself and cleared my mind to focus only to him. He was smirking while watching me develop my stance, and when he ordered me to attack, I frowned at him. How would I do that?

"Just advance and plan for your first blow," he commanded. "Wether a smash from heaven or a slanted slice. I would dodge or block it."

"I don't know how to do it."

"I told you, just attack me and I'll show you what's next."

He's not a good teacher, he doesn't teach me step by step. Imagine, we just directly came to an idea of advancing and attacking. How hard could that be, right? Fine, I'll attack. I gathered my strength and mustered my courage before leaping towards him. My first try was a strong slice from the sky, I felt like a fool giving all my strength in that single move.

He easily blocked it by simply countering my sword with his. I felt his strength when my sword almost fly off. My arms trembled in fear and nervousness. He stepped aside and lazily placed his sword next to my skin. I was caught in my neck. Now he's standing beside me with a frown on his face.

"Why are you so slow and dramatic? Come on, do not hesitate. Your opponents won't even think twice of cutting you into pieces."

"B-But—"

"No buts. Again."

He leaped behind me and I felt his warm and broad chest against my back. I gulped and stiffened in the realization that he's embracing me from behind. His calloused hands touched behind my palms and he guided me on how to point my sword correctly. He used his feet to move mine in a more comfortable direction. And in no time, I relaxed in my new stance.

"Like that, you looked awkward in your former position. A correct stance is also important while fighting, that will serve as your base and fundamental."

He then chuckled.

"You smell nice, anyway. That's distracting."

I guess, he really can't take this seriously.