AN: Words can not justify how sincerely sorry I am for this very delayed update. After the mass of reviews I received from you all, I have been writing this chapter nonstop for over the past year, albeit with constant revisions.

I fell into a block after chapter 4 due to a sense of dissatisfaction with my work. Wanting to better myself for the sake of you, my loyal readers, I took some time off and began reading novels again. Now that I've fallen back into the mood I'm ready to pick things up where I last left off.

The Governor's Daughter

Tsumugi rolled on her bed unable to fall asleep. After last night's events concerning her sudden disappearance and unexpected arrival at the front gate, she was given a proper scolding from her father. He asked what happened and she tactically lied to save her own tail. Had he known she willingly tried to take her own life that night her punishment would've been far worse than what it was now.

She laid down on her back and closed her eyes. The scolding and her punishment were surprisingly the least of her concerns. No, what had been running through her mind was something else, or rather, someone else.

The pirate she met, Ritsu.

Tsumugi left her window open for the night. She loved how the sea breeze drifted into her room, scenting every corner with the smell of the distant ocean. When she changed into the dress she was given and was pinned between the prison of Ritsu's arms, she couldn't help but concentrate on every little detail that defined her as a pirate. The straps on her leather belt were worn and beaten from her travels. The flinton pistols and silver sword by her side should've sufficed as proof that she was no merchant, but an explorer. She'd been completely wrong about her previous assumption. Ritsu may not be much older than her, but she was was without a doubt a pirate.

Tsumugi exhaled. Ritsu's words had gotten through to her that night and all it took were a few minutes of exposed vulnerability. In the moment she stayed quiet and listened attentively, she'd been more aware than she'd ever been her entire life. Tsumugi breathed in shallow breaths and imagined she was in the room again, alone with Ritsu. She could feel the slight intake of breath whenever the pirate spoke into her ear ensuring every word was said and pronounced clearly. The warmth from the proximity of their bodies had her hairs standing on the edge. Never had she been with anyone so closely, so intimately. Not even her suitors were permitted to approach her with such familiarity, for if they did her father might've done something about them.

She dropped her hands to her chest underneath the covers and felt her heart beating faster with every passing second. Thinking about Ritsu and that moment had her feeling strange, almost lightheaded. Tsumugi clenched one hand into a tight fist over her heart. In the depths of her memories, she could still feel Ritsu's warm breath lingering beside her ear, her lips grazing the sensitive skin there. Their bodies were only separated by the fabric of their clothing and the heat she emitted was so invitingly warm she wished she could've pressed herself closer to the girl.

A sharp, soft gasp escaped her lips as she slipped her hand into her panties. Her swollen clitoris pulsed against her fingers as she felt the wet heat of her arousal. Every muscle in her back tightened like a coiled spring. Images flashed through her mind—Ritsu sliding her hand down from the wall to her waist while the other thumbed her rosied lips. Tsumugi arched towards her desperately, wanting-needing what would come next. She imagined Ritsu leaning in and kissing her, then touching her in places she never even dreamed of.

Her toes curled instinctively and she spread her legs wider, her breath coming out in feverish moans. Suddenly all she desired was to have her close again, just like that night. She arched upwards, coming hard and rocking against her palm.

She pulled her hand from between her thighs and lay gasping on the mattress. Between gasps she opened her eyes and looked up at the top of her canopy style bed. As she turned over her side and glanced back at her open window, she couldn't help but pull the covers a little higher. Before closing her eyes once more she looked back to find the curtains flowing with the calm, gentle breeze, and in the shadows she saw a brief glimpse of glimmering gold staring back at her.

Tomorrow. She'd see the pirate again before she would leave the port.

By the time Ritsu woke and joined Mugi's side, the sun had yet to show up. She bent to kiss her on the cheek slowly and presented a warm smile. "Can you give us a minute, love?"

Mugi nodded. When she was out of earshot, Ritsu sat down by the rocks.

"She's sweet," Mio commented.

"She is."

"As we were conversing earlier I couldn't help but wonder why such a girl would be in your company."

Ritsu grinned to herself. "You still don't trust me?"

Mio shot back with a vicious glare. "Ritsu, you are a pirate."

"Is that all? Tell me something I don't already know." Ritsu stepped into the water, soaking up the bottom half of her body. She pulled back the sleeve of her shirt and revealed the brand underneath her wrist.

Mio looked at it for only a quick second. If she stared any longer she would've cringed. It would've given Ritsu another opportunity to tease her. "What do you want, Ritsu?"

Ritsu bit her bottom lip and searched her pocket. She brought out a small wooden box and held it out towards Mio. Several symbols were scattered around it, writings in a foreign language no human could decipher.

Mio didn't have to open it to know what was inside. She'd heard enough stories in her lifetime growing up. The wooden engravings on it were etched in her language. She paused for a long while.

"Why do you have that? And what do you intend to do with it?"

Ritsu dropped her hand and glanced at her dark reflection in the water. She shook her head and looked back to where Mugi was.

"I...can't tell you."

"You can't tell me? Why? What are you hiding, Ritsu?"

"I'm not hiding anything."

"Then tell me what you plan on using it for."

Both Mio and Ritsu looked back at Mugi who was walking around the edge of the pool.

"I can't tell you. Not now, at least. But with time," Ritsu assured. "I need your help."

"You think I will help you so easily?"

"No," Ritsu admitted. "I don't. But if you can't then I'll find someone else who will."

Ritsu allowed her words to linger before walking away. After just one step Mio called out to her. She stopped.

"Wait! Let me reconsider."

Ritsu raised an eyebrow. She heard a tight note of desperation in Mio's voice. She turned around slowly.

"I can help you, but you have to help me with something first."

"And with what might that be?"

The sun began to rise in the distance and Mio took a deep, calming breath.

"My friend, Azusa. She's missing."

The Pirate

Ritsu stayed at Sakura's helm, guiding her through the rough and rugged sea. It had been at least two hours since they departed from the port, leaving a day earlier then what she originally planned. She stepped back and allowed the quartermaster to relieve her for the next hour or two. It would be quite a long voyage before they'd see land again.

Ritsu descended down the stairs and did a quick inspection of her crew, who worked diligently at their assigned posts. Once satisfied, she withdrew to her quarters and locked the door behind. She shed her coat and sighed, moving over to work on some maps in need of an update.

Quietly she took the quill and began, mentally calculating how to draw the port she just came from. The ship swayed slightly as it sailed against the tide and a small drop spilled onto the parchment. She muttered a curse under her breath and sat back in her seat, knowing all too well that it would be embedded in the map permanently.

Ritsu pressed a palm to her forehead and waited. Silence enveloped the room once more as all went quiet save for the sound of ocean waves crashing against the ship. She bridged her fingers together and pushed the map aside, sinking back to her deepest thoughts. The uneasy tug at her heart made her feel a little strange, and after a moment she realized it may have been regret.

She smiled to herself and thrummed her fingers on the wooden table. Interesting. It had been quite some time since she'd felt this way about anyone, especially towards a girl.

Ritsu allowed the moment of silence to linger a while longer, her thoughts slipping back to Tsumugi and their short time together. Her eyes drifted to the side where her closet was, drawing forth some painful memories. She forced them back down. There was no point dwelling on the past. The present was a far more pleasant moment.

And right now the present demanded a good long drink.

Slowly she pushed off the chair and took a bottle when an abrupt knock came from her door.

"What is it now, Yui?" Ritsu called from afar.

"Captain! Somethin's just come up."

Ritsu raised an eyebrow and crossed the room. There was a sense of urgency in her voice, as though it was of utmost importance. She followed Yui onto the deck and suddenly stopped, eyes meeting familiar blue irises she'd seen a few nights ago. The rest of her crew turned to her expectantly, waiting for her next order.

Tsumugi stayed quiet as Ritsu took her time inspecting her with narrow eyes. Among her crewmates there was no room for any show of benevolence or familiarity despite the events before. They were pirates after all.

"Seems like we have a stowaway. Where did you find her?" Ritsu asked Yui, not once leaving her eyes on Tsumugi.

"Below the deck, hiding in an empty barrel."

"Ritsu-"

"That's Captain Ritsu," she corrected sternly. If she once showed any sign of kindness in her voice, today was not one of those days. "Take her to my chambers. I'd like to have a word with her, in private."

Two men escorted Tsumugi briskly, Ritsu turning to her first mate Yui. When some of her crew were out of earshot she pulled her to the side. "How did she get on board?"

"I don't know."

Ritsu exhaled heavily. Having Tsumugi on board was a major complication. If they were caught she'd be charged for kidnapping an official's daughter. She walked past Yui and hurried for her room, locking the door behind rather hard.

Ritsu frowned. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you-"

"Did you not understand a word I said before?" Ritsu asked, crossing the distance and downing a bottle of much needed drink.

"I know, but still..."

"Pirates make for bad company. You are among thieves, brigands, outlaws! Does none of that frighten you?" Ritsu asked.

"But you're not like the others. You're different."

"You don't know that," Ritsu said. "I'm not so different from the lot of them."

"You're a pirate. A girl," Tsumugi pressed.

"Not another word," Ritsu replied, closing the distance between them. Tsumugi wasn't aware that her gender was exclusive to even her own crew. Revealing her secret was something she just happened to carelessly share with her. "What happened that night stays between you and me. If the others knew, I'd lose my rank in an instant. The world I live in is a man's world, not a woman's. And to be clear, I didn't save you out of the kindness of my heart."

"Oh? Then why did you?"

"There are better ways to die than death by a ledge. It would've been absolutely pitiful to watch someone as beautiful as you go down that way."

Tsumugi allowed a small laugh to slip and Ritsu watched the room brighten with the sound of her voice.

"You think I'm...beautiful?"

"Aye. I think you're fairer than most girls I've come across," Ritsu admitted. "But you are also bolder than many, if not all of them."

"Is having courage so bad?"

"Courage and idiocy are two separate things entirely. I'm afraid you've mistaken it for the latter, love." Ritsu took a better look at Tsumugi. Her gaze faltered once she realized she'd been wearing the dress she gave her after the night she was saved. "I will have you returned immediately, though I imagine turning back now would not be the best option, lest I risk mine and my crew's necks around a noose."

Tsumugi stood unmoving and made no protest. Ritsu was right. "...I'm sorry," she said quietly. "So...what do we do now?"

It happened all in the blink of an eye. Ritsu took Tsumugi by the wrists and pulled out some rope, tying her hands together tautly. She watched the Governor's daughter eyes grow wide with surprise.

"I'm afraid I don't accommodate guests under my command. Tsumugi Kotobuki, as of now you are my prisoner."

The Governor's Daughter

Tsumugi held both hands to her mouth and breathed through her nose. Sitting down on the cold wooden floor she looked up at the bars of steel that held her captive. At first she thought Ritsu had been bluffing. But then she was taken to the deck in front of the entire crew, her status and nobility exploited for all to hear. When they realized she was someone of great importance, Ritsu made it clear that they would give her back for a hefty ransom.

She sighed and dropped her head, pulling her knees close to her chest. Beneath the deck the ship was much colder, the waves no better as they crashed relentlessly by nightfall. She wasn't used to being on board a ship and her body retaliated a couple of times forcing her to her knees, twisting and churning her stomach. With closed eyes she concentrated on anything else but the putrid smell of rum and sea water.

"What was I thinking?" she asked herself, her voice barely above a whisper. Her heart ached with disappointment. The Ritsu she met that night was so much more different than the one presently commandeering the ship.

A prisoner? She'd left home to become a mere prisoner?

A large wave passed through and the ship rocked with such force she fell face forward. Her palms now unbound by rope softened the blow, but she was so emotionally broken inside she feared she was beyond repair. Fear had begun to grow in her heart, fear and uncertainty. She once thought Ritsu would do her no harm, but now she wasn't quite sure what fate had in store for her.

The sea only became much rougher to the sail and the ship shook so violently Tsumugi couldn't sleep. She slowed to stand and held the bars, curiously glancing back at the stairs that led to the deck. The hall was quiet, much too quiet in her opinion.

How many hours passed, she lost track of. But the first night she spent in her cell felt like an eternity. She searched for the lock's key and found it across from her, although it was much too far to reach. Tsumugi rattled the bars, hoping for someone to pass by. No one came.

She walked back and closed her eyes shut, hoping that somehow she could sleep to escape the fate that had befallen her.

"Missing? Are you certain?" Ritsu asked Mio.

"It's been days since I'd last seen her, almost an entire week."

The sun began to rise and the shades of night began to fuse with the warm, vibrant colors peaking from the horizon. Ritsu crossed her arms and turned away, eyes searching the pool of water curiously. "Do you have any clues where she went last?"

"She was out and about searching for some medicinal plants. I vouched to go with her, but she refused my help. It was off the coast of an island not too far from here."

Ritsu had some experience tracking down people with bounties on their heads, but her crew followed her willingly for equal compensation. Finding Mio's friend wouldn't bring anyone profit. There was no incentive, no way she could convince them to sail with her unless it assured some sort of reward.

"Ritsu," Mio pleaded, tugging at the pirate's shirt. When Ritsu remained silent she tugged harder, insistently.

Ritsu looked up at the moon and the stars which began to recede as morning came. Then she looked down at Mio's eyes, storm brewing irises that threatened to swell with tears. As heartless as it was she felt no obligation to return the favor.

"I speak for the men that follow me when I say this. There's no prize to be won, no treasure to collect from this man hunt you ask of me."

"I saved your life, Ritsu! You owe me a great debt."

"I didn't ask you to save me. I owe you nothing," Ritsu said with a straight face and stood on her feet once more.

Mio took Ritsu's shirt with both hands and pushed her back against the rocks. Some water splashed, the birds around them chirped and the air grew unbearably tense. "I didn't have to save you, but I did out of my own volition. I saw you fall, saw you bleed. You would've died here. Don't you feel grateful for what I did for you?"

Ritsu raised her chin, the kohl under her eyes made her look somewhat menacing. Mio's grip didn't loosen. "You want me to go on a wild goose chase and not expect anything in return?"

"What do you want? Is it gold?"

Ritsu's eyes flicked with a wicked glint in them. She grinned roguishly. "Now that doesn't sound like a bad offer."

"Good, then-"

Ritsu held up her hand. "I said that sounded like a good offer. I didn't say I would take it."

"What else do you want, Ritsu?" Mio asked, her voice straining from frustration.

"What do you have to offer me? I could care less about the gold." Ritsu studied Mio with quiet intensity. "How important is this friend of yours to you?"

"She's very important to me. Azusa has been my closest friend my entire life. I'd do anything to see her again."

At that Ritsu grinned broadly. "Anything?"

Mio blinked only once. She paused. "Anything."

"Very well." Ritsu pried off Mio's hands from her shirt. "I'll take the gold and your services in return for finding your fellow mermaid friend."

Mio sighed and her shoulders sagged with relief. Somehow she successfully managed to bribe a pirate for help. But that was only half the battle, the rest weighed on the actual search.

Ritsu looked from Mio to Mugi. It was about time they went back to camp. Morning was fast approaching and it would be another mile back to get there. From afar she waved for Mugi to join them.

"So what happens now?" Mio asked.

Ritsu seemed to calculate something to herself. The two girls waited for an answer. A sly smile crept along her lips as she faced Mio but turned to Mugi.

"Now you will walk."

The Pirate

Ritsu descended below the deck and watched Tsumugi from a distance. She had her own pair of keys and opened the lock, freeing her from her prison. It had only been one whole day since she was held captive, but despite not accommodating guests she felt compelled to have another word with her prisoner.

"Come with me," she ordered. At first Tsumugi made no move, but Ritsu held out her hand and waited. "Would you rather stay here a while longer?"

Reluctantly, Tsumugi moved to stand but she instantly swatted Ritsu's hand away from her.

Ritsu made no comment and waved for her to follow. She didn't bother tying up Tsumugi's hands this time around but she did keep a very close eye on her. Once on deck Tsumugi winced from the brightness of the sunlight. Being holed up in the cell made her feel somewhat uneasy at seeing light again.

"I thought I was your prisoner," Tsumugi said weakly. She reoriented herself to her surroundings and felt the warmth from the sunlight sink into her skin.

"Make no mistake, you still are. I just imagine that cell is bound to drive anyone mad if they stay in there for too long. I'd like to return you with your sanity still intact."

"How thoughtful of you."

"Are you hungry yet?" Ritsu asked and stepped closer.

Tsumugi stepped back cautiously. A night in that old uncomfortable cell was enough to have her reevaluate Ritsu's character. She saw her in a different light now, one she hadn't seen clearly before. Now she held up her walls for her own protection. Slowly she nodded.

Ritsu opened one of the barrels and offered Tsumugi a bright red apple. She watched the girl take it hesitantly with suspicion.

"Why the sudden change of heart? I doubt this is how you treat your other prisoners."

The cool sea breeze blew against their faces. Tsumugi's blonde hair lifted with it, her hair dancing wildly about. Ritsu smiled.

"That's because I don't usually take any. When I capture other ships and their crew, I have them swear under my command or cast them off."

"You're a horrible pirate."

Ritsu laughed. "Aye, there might be some truth to that." She leaned on the ship's wooden railing. Finally Tsumugi took a bite from her apple.

"In five day's time we'll reach another port. I'm certain by now word has spread of your disappearance." Ritsu watched the blue endless horizon. "I will return you there personally, collect my reward, and then you will forget all about me after that."

Ritsu's voice changed subtly as she spoke the last part. She sounded far away and Tsumugi wondered what she was remembering and why it hurt so much.

"Try as I might, I don't think I'll ever forget you," Tsumugi countered. "I can't erase the very person who jailed me for an entire night."

Ritsu laughed full and heartily. "It could be much worse."

Tsumugi watched Ritsu pull out a telescope from her pocket. She continued working on her apple.

The day had gone by quickly, the hours shared with a mix of playful banter, insults and compliments. Tsumugi was in Ritsu's room when night had fallen; hard, dark and deep. She sat quietly in a chair sipping a cup of warm tea. No doubt Ritsu was a strange pirate. Who would openly invite her prisoner back to her room and second or third time?

Ritsu thumbed her lip as she sat away from Tsumugi and studied a set of maps. A long silence passed between them. Tsumugi chose to broke it.

"Why did you choose to become a pirate?"

Ritsu closed her eyes. Tsumugi looked at her teacup, still half full. "I didn't 'choose' becoming a pirate," she finally said. "It chose me."

"You have an interesting choice with words."

"And you are starting to tread dangerous waters."

"As if I hadn't already," Tsumugi commented.

Ritsu turned around. The candlelight flickered in her eyes. She stared at Tsumugi until her eyes grew dark with mirth and secrets. "Do I intrigue you that much?"

"I've been taken with you the moment we first met. Was that not evident before?"

"Curiosity is a dangerous thing."

"I want to know you at least before this voyage ends and I never see you again." Tsumugi stood from her chair and took long purposeful strides until she was standing right across from Ritsu. "But you're quite stubborn. You're not going to tell me anything about yourself, are you?"

Ritsu's smile faded as if the sun had set hours ahead of schedule. "It doesn't matter."

"Doesn't matter?" Tsumugi asked. "At this point I'd rather hear your life's story than kiss you."

Ritsu raised an eyebrow. Tsumugi's cheeks turned pink with embarrassment. She didn't intend to say the last part out loud.

"The kiss would be a better option," Ritsu suggested. "My past isn't worth sharing."

"What are you hiding? What's so horrible about your life you have to keep it a secret?"

"Ghosts," Ritsu answered indifferently. Tsumugi lowered her eyes. She felt Ritsu take a very deep, calming breath.

"...Whose?" Tsumugi asked softly.

Ritsu reached out and touched the fabric on Tsumugi's dress. A wave of memories threatened to spill over. She gazed back at Tsumugi, meeting her earnest eyes in the dim light.

"Hers."

Ritsu closed her eyes. When she opened them she was at a tavern, her head spinning from drink. She pressed a hand to her forehead and groaned, her brain pulsing with pain as though someone had hammered it endlessly with brutal force. Slowly she blinked and tried to regain her bearings. The sound of music echoed all around her. She tried to concentrate on anything else but the noise of salty sea dogs sharing stories and drunkards readily picking fights.

She hopped off the chair a little too fast and nearly fell to her knees. Clearly she'd taken too much to consume tonight. As slow as her feet carried her, she pushed past the men and women, passing through sets of tables filled with merry people. By some miracle she made it to the door without falling to the ground.

She headed back for her ship tired and spent. A few days at a port would be enough before she'd sail again; restocking, reloading and recruiting. She was walking on the bridge when she found someone standing on top of the deck, someone she didn't recognize.

Almost instantly the alcohol from her system left her. No one other than her crew and herself was allowed to set afoot on her Sakura. She marched up to the deck and found the trespasser by the helm, looking out to the open sea.

"Oy," she called out loudly from below. "What do you think you're doin' up there?"

Ritsu took several steps forward to get a better look at this trespasser. When she looked up and saw clearly, the rest of her words caught in her throat.

"You have a beautiful ship," the trespasser said, her voice as smooth as velvet. With one hand on the helm she trailed her fingers to the end and glanced down at Ritsu.

Dark, piercing eyes bore into her as she took a breath. The trespasser was a young girl, beautiful with long wavy brown hair and not much older than herself. With careful eyes she watched the girl descend the stairs towards the deck to meet her.

"You're trespassing," Ritsu said.

"That would be so." The girl gave her a sly smile, to which Ritsu replied with a frown. She didn't particularly like having strangers boarding her Sakura without permission, especially if they were beautiful girls.

"I was admiring your ship from afar when it docked earlier in the day. Quite the work of art you have here." The girl circled around Ritsu as if to inspect the remainder of the vessel.

"I don't take kindly to trespassers, even to beautiful little birds like you," Ritsu said, trying to sound mildly threatening. "Flattery will get you nowhere."

The girl stopped and turned on her heel. They met eyes in the dark light. She only looked at Ritsu for a brief second, then continued walking.

"Are you its Captain?"

"Aye," Ritsu said and followed right behind her cautiously. "What of it?"

"Are you recruiting any crew members?"

Ritsu paused, but only for a second. "No."

"No?" the girl asked skeptically. Something in her dark eyes told Ritsu she'd seen through her lie.

"I meant no, I'm not recruiting you if you're going to bother asking."

The girl gave Ritsu stare, cold and devoid of all playfullness. She seemed to take the rejection seriously. Good. She liked hurting a pretty girl's feelings.

"And why not? Because I look like a helpless young lass?"

Ritsu crossed her arms. "I didn't say that. But yes," she said without shame. The girl stalked up to Ritsu and glared even harder.

"What must I do to prove I'm not as helpless as I look?"

"Nothing, absolutely nothing. Nothing you do will sway my decision. Besides," Ritsu began. "You don't know even know the importance of crossing boundaries." She drew an invisible line between them and gestured to her ship.

"Pirates don't have boundaries," the girl corrected.

"I never said anything about pirates," Ritsu replied with narrow eyes.

"But isn't that what you are?" The girl was swift with her next actions, taking Ritsu's forearm and lifting her shirt's sleeve above her elbow. She noticed the slight imprint of a brand before when she came down the helm. Ritsu had been careless with her attire at the tavern.

"Why are you so adamant on joining a crew?" Ritsu asked. She rolled back her sleeve and crossed her arms, not too happy that her secret was out.

The girl looked out into the sea as if she wanted to sail out on it again. Her eyes held a sense of longing and Ritsu couldn't help but gaze at the same direction too.

"If you're looking for a means of escape, sailing with pirates wouldn't be wise."

"I've sailed with your kind before. You don't scare me." She lowered her hand to her waist where a rapier was sheathed. Ritsu looked down for only a moment and smiled, thoroughly intrigued. She didn't notice the girl was carrying any weapons before.

"You're a pirate?"

"No," the girl said. "Not exactly. I'd much prefer to go by a different title."

"Oh?" Ritsu asked and raised an eyebrow. "And what title might that be?"

The girl paused. "Map maker."

"Map maker, you say?" Ritsu raised an eyebrow curiously. "And pray, tell me, what exactly does a map maker do?"

The girl looked at Ritsu with a dumbfounded expression. But when she pardoned Ritsu's short-minded idiocy, all she needed was to take a deep breath to release any pent up frustration. "Other than the obvious, I make maps. But aside from marking new lands, I also keep record of any possible treasures within the area."

Ritsu crossed her arms and studied the elaborate necklace around the girl's neck. That alone was proof to confirm that she spoke with no lies, and if she wore it to impress Ritsu, it most certainly did the job.

"And so you're a treasure seeker as well. Mind telling me one?"

The girl opened her mouth to speak, but chose to keep her silence. "That depends...if you will take me under your crew."

Ritsu smiled. "Tell me first, then we'll see."

"It's the same with all you bloody pirates. What makes you think I'd surrender information to you so willingly and without guarantee of a position?" The girl looked intently at Ritsu.

"Because if you don't, I can kill you right here. You are trespassing after all."

"You can try." The girl immediately unsheathed her rapier, crossing the distance between them and meeting Ritsu's cutlass. They locked eyes for the briefest of moments before their duel ran in full swing. Every move was quick and calculated as air ripped through the girl's blade, dancing with Ritsu's mettle eagerly. It didn't take long before they'd exchanged enough blows for Ritsu to lose her footing, and the duel to ultimately end in the girl's favor. Ritsu's cutlass skittered over somewhere far from reach and the girl raised her sword to Ritsu's throat, grazing some of her skin there.

"Now, about that offer?"

Ritsu gave a low, deep laugh. The girl's blade dug into her skin and some blood trickled down her throat. She didn't mind the pain. In fact, she welcomed the familiar sensation.

"Your name, if you please," Ritsu insisted.

The girl paused, then withdrew her rapier. "Megumi."

Ritsu breathed out and pressed a hand to her own throat, collecting some blood between her fingers. "Very well, Megumi. As of this day forward you sail under my command." She walked over and bent to retrieve her cutlass, tucking it right under her belt and facing Megumi again. "Though I must warn you now. I'm not like any other pirate you've ever met."

Megumi raised an eyebrow but said nothing more. Instead, she reached into her chest and pulled out a thin piece of parchment, holding it between them.

"What might that be?"

"A map to a legend."

Ritsu stared at the parchment in Megumi's hand.

"Possibly the greatest treasure out there," Megumi said. She was surprised that Ritsu made no move to take the map from her hands. "It's why I've been so insistent on sailing again."

"Greatest treasure?"

"Yes. Perhaps. But I do suggest we move quickly if we're to get it first. Rumor has spread of it rather fast."

"Then we leave before dawn." Ritsu walked off the ship, but Megumi stayed on board. She tucked the map back into her chest for safe keeping. Any other pirate would've wanted a peak at it, all except Ritsu. Slowly she started to understand her earlier statement, she most certainly wasn't like other pirates.

"You didn't give me your name," Megumi called out.

"It's Ritsu," she said and continued walking away. Not once did she turn back to Megumi. A small smile surfaced on her lips as she walked down the empty streets. "Greatest treasure, hm? We'll see about that."

The Governor's Daughter

By the time Ritsu finished her story, a solemn silence settled between the two of them. Tsumugi was at a loss for words. There wasn't anything she could possibly do or say that would ease the pain in Ritsu's heart, pain that caused her to grow numb from everything in the world. For the last three years she spent traveling, she felt empty and hollow, void of her usual charismatic self. Megumi's death was a loss that would scar her for an entire lifetime, a grim reminder of the risks she would bring to anyone who got too close to her.

Ritsu looked back at Tsumugi as they stood across from each other. She felt the blonde's hands reach up to her face, holding her there for a moment. Ritsu closed her eyes, allowing herself to indulge the warmth from Tsumugi's hands. It had been such a long time since anyone had touched her this way; kindly, gently, reverently.

But the moment passed and Ritsu opened her eyes, taking Tsumugi's hands off her face. She uttered one word quietly, a warning meant for both of them.

"Don't..." Ritsu sighed, a surprisingly defeated sound. "I'm not strong enough to deny you."

"Then don't deny me, Ritsu. You don't need to be strong...it's not a weakness to say yes."

"...I can't," Ritsu said while shaking her head.

"But Ritsu-"

"I'm not the person you think I am." Ritsu's voice sounded so hollow, so sad she didn't think it was herself speaking.

"I'm in love with you," Tsumugi confessed. Ritsu looked at her indifferently, unfazed by the courage she took to say those very words.

"Why? What have I done that's worth taking hold of your heart?" Ritsu asked. "I'm the last person you should fall in love with-"

"And yet you're the first," Tsumugi finished.

"I'm no hero. I'm a criminal, a thief."

"You're a pirate. You do what you must to survive."

"I will only break your heart."

"If it's you then I don't mind. Please," Tsumugi pleaded. "Let me in, Ritsu. Just this once...let me be with you."

Ritsu's stare sufficed as a silent warning. Slowly, she took a step forward. Neither one could deny the mutual attraction that hung so heavily between them.

The candlelight flickered once, slowly waning into the dark shadows drifting through the room. In the looming darkness Ritsu wondered if Tsumugi had ever kissed a girl, or ever kissed anyone at all. There was a pure innocence in her being that frightened her. She was afraid that if she got too close, it would tarnish Tsumugi forever.

"What are you afraid of?" Tsumugi asked.

"You," Ritsu answered. She lifted her hand and pressed her warm palm against Tsumugi's neck. She had an urge to bring their faces close, to kiss her and hold her and taste her.

"Don't be," Tsumugi said and forced their lips to meet. She closed her eyes as she trembled, not quite sure if what she was doing was right. After all, she had never done this before.

Ritsu opened her mouth slightly. She cupped the back of Tsumugi's neck and held her steady, kissing her with only the gentlest touch. It was but a light brush on Tsumugi's lips. There was no point in rushing the kiss. It was nice like this, sweet and tender and full of sensual emotions. After a few minutes, Ritsu pulled back to check on Tsumugi. Her face was flushed and her eyes were dark with desire.

Tsumugi reached for Ritsu once more. The second set of kisses were passionate and rough. She slipped her tongue when Ritsu parted her mouth and explored her tongue, her lips, her teeth. Ritsu moaned against her and broke free, lowering her head to kiss her neck, her ear, her shoulders. Tsumugi rolled her head back to give her more access.

The simple pleasure was intoxicating, so drug inducing Ritsu lost track of time. They kissed until Tsumugi's back hit the farthest corner of the room. With one hand Ritsu swept the scattered set of maps and sent them rolling to the ground. The delicate pieces of parchment littered the floor as Tsumugi hoisted herself to sit on the table.

Ritsu's hands wandered every inch of Tsumugi's body, her arms, her waist, her hips. She spread her legs apart and stood in between them, dragging Tsumugi to the edge of the table. She pressed their bodies to each other. Her hands slid into Tsumugi's dress, exploring her thighs, The thin fabric of her stockings, the straps that supported her underwear. She unhooked the clip with her nimble fingers, taking delight at the sound of its snap.

Tsumugi wound her arms around Ritsu's neck, fidgeting as her underwear grew damp with excitement. Her heart was racing and there was a nervous hitch in her breath when Ritsu rubbed her hips against hers. There was something hard in her pants, something unusual. Wanting to find out what it was, she reached between them and rested her head on Ritsu's shoulder, giving a light kiss on her neck before continuing. With courage she slid her hand into her pants and pressed her palm along Ritsu's cock. She wrapped her fingers around it, hesitantly giving it one painstakingly slow pump. Ritsu rasped a groan.

"Mugi," Ritsu said in short.

Tsumugi kissed Ritsu's lips, her cheeks, her jaw to her ear. "It's okay...You're okay."

Ritsu nodded, running her fingers on Tsumugi's thighs. She restrained herself, waiting patiently until Tsumugi cupped her cheek, held her still.

"Are you a virgin?" Ritsu asked.

Tsumugi shied away, but only for a second. She nodded nervously.

"Do you have a hymen? Some virgins do, some don't." Ritsu lifted her hand and took a lock of Tsumugi's hair, tucking it right behind her ear. She wiped away the beads sweat from Tsumugi's forehead, kissed her cheek, her lips.

"I think I do..."

A small dreamy smile surfaced to Ritsu's lips. She didn't do anything but hold Tsumugi by the waist. She needed to know what she was working with. She had never taken anyone's virginity. This was all new to her, like learning to speak a foreign language.

"What are you going to do to me?"

"Nothing you don't want me to do," Ritsu assured. She brushed her hand through Tsumugi's bright blonde hair.

"I want to do everything with you, but I'm nervous."

"You should be. I'd be nervous too."

"Will it hurt?" Tsumugi asked.

Ritsu nodded.

"Will I like it?"

"If I do it right you will," Ritsu said with a roguish grin. She had scores of lovers, but none who complained about her performance in bed. She had enough confidence in her abilities. She knew she wouldn't let Tsumugi down tonight.

"Do you like it?" Tsumugi asked bashfully. She felt so small right now compared to Ritsu, inexperienced and new to everything that revolved around love and sex.

"I love it."

"Then please, take me. I want to know."

Carefully, Ritsu untied the knot at the front of Tsumugi's dress. She pulled at the string, let the fabric fall past her shoulders, eased it down to her hips. There was little resistance from Tsumugi as she bared her nakedness to her, as though she was comfortable with the prospect of being seen so clearly. Ritsu bit back a smile. What a beautiful, shameless girl.

"Are you cold?"

"A little," Tsumugi confessed.

Ritsu's hands brought her close as they kissed in gentle, seeking waves. She didn't rush the kiss, only waited until Tsumugi was panting for more. Ritsu slid her hand between her chest. She looked down in awe, taking in the canvas before her. Tsumugi had beautiful round breasts with the pinkest, most pert nipples. She kissed Tsumugi's collarbone and kneaded them in both breasts into her hands, massaging her areolas with the pad of her thumbs. She drew sensual circles around them until her nipples tightened and grew hard.

Ritsu lay Tsumugi on her back and pushed away a few more maps on the table. Her blonde hair fell around her shoulders like a veil. Ritsu ran her hands from her breasts to her stomach, from her stomach to her hips.

"Close your eyes," Ritsu said and Tsumugi obediently did as she was instructed. She could see Tsumugi's chest rising and falling faster than before.

Ritsu bent over Tsumugi's chest and kissed her right nipple.

"Oh, God."

"Shh," Ritsu whispered and caressed Tsumugi's cheek.

Ritsu kissed her once more and retreated lower, focused all her attention of Tsumugi's breasts and nipples. She licked both breasts, sucked on them, kissed them, tugged her nipples for good measure. Beneath her mouth Tsumugi's breasts heaved, and she breathed in uneven shallow breaths.

"Are you getting wet?" Ritsu asked against Tsumugi's skin.

"Yes." Tsumugi lifted her hips and sighed. She wanted more, wanted Ritsu. "I think I'm ready."

Ritsu reached down between Tsumugi's thighs. She let her fingers explore past Tsumugi's soft pubic hair. She slid two fingers around the lips of her vulva, then to her swollen clitoris and kneaded it back and forth with comfortable pressure. Tsumugi froze and dropped her head back, letting out a drawn out moan. Ritsu pushed her fingers down and into Tsumugi's vagina feeling her abundant wetness against them. Satisfied, she pulled them out and wiped her fingers clean.

Ritsu stepped back and unknotted the tie on her pants. Tsumugi opened her eyes and looked up at the ceiling, at the room. She pushed up on her elbows and watched Ritsu lower her pants, revealing her hardened cock. Her lips parted out of want and her throat grew dry. Ritsu's pants fell down to her ankles and she pressed herself to Tsumugi's wet entrance. Tsumugi moved up to sit, spreading her legs apart for Ritsu.

"Just hold on to me."

Tsumugi wrapped her arm around Ritsu's and looked down. Her body trembled. Ritsu let one hand wrap around Tsumugi's waist, the other guided her length into her slowly. Ritsu inhaled and pushed until the grip from Tsumugi's arm tightened. She held her close, stroked her back.

Tsumugi went silent, her eyes screwed shut from the searing pain. She let out a staggered whimper. Tears formed at the edge of her eyes, but she didn't cry. Ritsu gave one last push into her, tearing through her hymen until it broke and she was completely inside. Tsumugi's vagina fluttered and pulsed around Ritsu, clamping down on her intruding presence. She dug her naked heels into Ritsu's calves and wrapped her legs behind her back. They stayed motionless until her walls relaxed around Ritsu.

"Are you okay?" Ritsu asked, fully aware that the penetration had caused Mugi to orgasm.

"Yes," Tsumugi answered weakly.

"Good because I'm going to move now."

Ritsu pulled herself out and pushed back deep into Tsumugi. She tensed at the tightness of her wet passage and breathed out shakily. She'd never been inside a girl more tight than her. She dropped her hands to Tsumugi's hips and continued thrusting, finding a slow comfortable rhythm for herself. She looked up at Tsumugi, needing to know if she was okay. Her eyes gave her a silent confirmation that she was. Ritsu wondered how much it hurt, and if now felt a little better than before. Instead of asking she reached between them and rubbed Tsumugi's clitoris with her fingers.

Tsumugi moaned into Ritsu's neck, her muscles pulsing in waves of contractions. The way Ritsu touched her had her head spinning, her mind growing boggy with desire. She realized most of the pain had gone, ebbed away by the blissful pleasure of sex.

Sex, Mugi thought. So this is what it feels like.

She could see the appeal to it now, how the simple act enticed Ritsu very much. Mugi moved her hips against Ritsu's in earnest. It sent a cold shiver down the back of her spine, a sharp spike that wrenched a lusty groan from her lips. She felt herself growing wetter as Ritsu finished kneading her clitoris and began thrusting with more force. Their bodies slapped against each other feverishly, drawing out more of her wetness, more of her cries.

Ritsu tensed, her back burning from the pressure building around Mugi inside. She grit her teeth and thrust again and again until she felt herself coming. Her hips pulled back to withdraw but Mugi only pushed her back in. A look of pure panic swept Ritsu's face.

"Mugi-"

Ritsu gripped Tsumugi's hips as she clamped down hard on her length, hard enough to make her come inside her. Ritsu closed her eyes and felt every spurt of release hit the softest spot inside Tsumugi, warming her up with her cum. She let out a whimper and slackened, forcing both of them to lie against the table.

When Ritsu finally regained some of her strength she pushed off of Tsumugi and stepped back to find a towel. Ritsu caught the slightest hint of blood on her body and cleaned herself up before dressing again. She brought a bowl of water and a cloth on the table. Tsumugi sat up and brought her knees to her chest.

"You shouldn't have done that," Ritsu said and brought a chair for herself to sit in. She moved up to Tsumugi and dipped the cloth in water, squeezing out any excess.

"Why not?" Tsumugi asked, spreading out her legs for Ritsu. The girl looked up to her and wiped her inner thighs with the cloth gently. She watched the faint stains of blood on her skin and winced.

"Because it's dangerous, for you and for me."

Tsumugi watched Ritsu work under her, wiping every part of her clean. The act was a simple kindness, one that touched Tsumugi's heart.

"You're afraid you'll get me pregnant?"

"You wouldn't be the first," Ritsu answered, not looking up.

"You've gotten someone pregnant before?"

Ritsu squeezed the water from the towel. The bowl turned red.

"No, not really," Ritsu said with a shadow in her eyes.

Ritsu removed the bowl and wiped her hands dry. She stood and turned around so Tsumugi couldn't see her face. A memory washed over her, a vivid dream she once had.

"Just...don't do it again," Ritsu said.

Tsumugi didn't fully comprehend the gravity in her words but she complied. Ritsu came back to her and helped her with the dress, straightened it out and brushed back her blonde hair back into place.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking."

Ritsu accepted the apology and kissed Tsumugi on her forehead. She wrapped Tsumugi up in an embrace and felt her body weigh against hers.

"How do you feel?" Ritsu asked.

"Safe," Tsumugi answered and finally closed her eyes.

The Pirate - 3 years prior

Megumi walked up the flight of stairs and met Ritsu at the helm of the ship. They'd been sailing for days on the ocean progressing through the journey for this "greatest treasure" she'd coin from one island to the next. Ritsu was skeptical at first, but Megumi's words were true. In her hand was one of the artifacts that would lead the way, an indicator that would come in handy for the future.

"We're close, Captain," Megumi reported dutifully. She joined Ritsu's side and looked out into the calm, morning sea.

"Aye," Ritsu said with a cheery grin. She tucked the box back into her pocket. "Now come here."

Megumi stood beside Ritsu whose arm shot out to take her by the waist. "Captain?"

"You taught me a few tricks, let me teach you some of mine." Ritsu took Megumi's hands gently with hers and set them over the helm. She stood behind her and helped her maneuver Sakura through the ocean. The cool crisp air blew against them, forcing Megumi's hair to scatter to her sides.

"Ritsu," Megumi began. "I need to tell you something."

"If it's about the cave we're venturing off to, it can wait."

"No, it's not about that."

"Then what is it?" Ritsu asked into Megumi's ear. She kissed her neck, nipped at her shoulder until her arms weakened.

"It's important," Megumi rasped.

"What is?" Ritsu was so lovestruck she fell completely oblivious to the change in Megumi's demeanor.

"Just please, don't be mad at me."

"Why would I be at mad at you?" Ritsu asked with a smile. She wrapped her hands around Megumi's waist and waited.

"Because I'm late."

Ritsu's smile faded and her hands dropped slightly. Megumi released the helm and turned around to face her. Ritsu looked shocked, confused, bewildered. She couldn't even meet her eyes.

"Ritsu?"

The world stopped. Ritsu stepped back and tried to register Megumi's words.

"Ritsu, talk to me. Please."

A wave of emotions passed through her. She didn't know which ones seemed most appropriate. Megumi held her hands with hers and waited. She came back and found herself grinning again.

"For how long? When did you know?"

Megumi swallowed nervously. "A week, maybe two. You're not upset?"

"I'm not upset. I'm thrilled, excited." Ritsu took Megumi by the waist and lifted her up, throwing her around in the circle of her arms. She was smiling broadly, happily.

Megumi couldn't help but smile too. She was so sure Ritsu wouldn't take the news favorably that it scared her. Now the weight had been lifted and she felt as light as a feather.

"This will work out. I have enough gold, enough treasure for the both of us to live comfortably."

"But what about this," Megumi pointed out to the ship, to the crew.

"What about it?"

"Are you going to leave it all behind?"

The ship steered to the side and Ritsu rushed to fix Sakura's route. Several of her crew looked up at her in confusion. She waved them off awkwardly.

"I think we both know I have to."

"And this, what about this Ritsu?" Megumi asked. She reached into Ritsu's coat pocket and manifested the box she had been staring at earlier this morning. Megumi opened it and revealed the clockwork of a watch and some orbs circling around it. The multi colored orbs resembled that of the distant planets above them.

"I...don't know."

"I do. We finish it."

"You're mad. You're pregnant."

"I'm capable."

"It's dangerous," Ritsu argued. She turned around but left one hand on the wheel. "Too dangerous."

"Ritsu I don't need you to protect me."

"It's not just about you anymore, Megumi!" Ritsu cried out.

Megumi faced Ritsu and dared to step closer. She should have backed away but she didn't. She walked up to her with all the courage she had.

"You're right, it isn't. But this is my decision, not yours."

Ritsu let out an exasperated breath and turned around. She couldn't believe how reckless Megumi was being with herself, with her child.

"I've been searching for this all my life. All I want is to see it through to the end. I hope you understand that."

Ritsu tightened her grip on the helm's handles. She listened to every word clearly.

"We're close, I know it. We'll find it and I'll be content with the discovery. After this we can settle down together. Anywhere you want." Megumi moved behind Ritsu, held her by the waist and pressed her forehead between the back of her shoulders blades.

Ritsu released one hand and placed it on top of Megumi's. She didn't say anything at first. She cared too much for Megumi that it scared her at times.

"Alright," Ritsu finally conceded. "But this will be the last of our adventures. And you will promise me to be careful, very careful."

Megumi kissed Ritsu behind the ear. "Aye, Captain."

An hour or more later they arrived at the coast of the island with white sandy shores and a luscious tropical forest. Ritsu and her crew hadn't dropped the anchor yet, they merely sailed around it. As Sakura neared the vicinity Ritsu raced along the left edge of her ship leaving Yui to monitor the helm. She pulled out her telescope quickly and focused on another ship in the distance. Dark black sails flew towards them with a crimson jolly roger painted right in the middle of it. An ominous aura drifted with the familiarity of the vessel.

Ritsu swallowed a nervous lump in her throat. She lowered her telescope and looked down at Megumi who took her hand with hers.

"What's wrong? Whose ship is that?"

Ritsu found it hard to breathe, hard to speak but somehow she managed to say one word, one name.

"Teague's."

AN: So alas, Megumi's arc has finally come full circle. Well, more or less. I'm hoping that with this revelation you can put several of the memories together with ease now that that's out of the way.

I do have a general idea of where this is all going so there is a concrete plot that I plan to finish. Rest assured that the other characters will surface as well, and other romances will ensue when the time seems fitting.

As always thank you for your continued support and reviews!