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Title: Sin and Punishment
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
okami_hu & kira_k
!Verse: 7Seas FF7 AU
Rating: PG
Warning: slight violence
Characters: Sephiroth, Cloud, Zack, Cid, Rude, rest of the crew
Word count:
Note: This is the first chapter of the 7Seas AU I’m working on with my trusty co-author. The basic idea is a change in the time period, placing the story in a setting similar to the state of Earth in the 18th century, where Sephiroth is a renowned captain of the ship H.M.S. Midgar.
Scrubbing the deck wasn't Cloud's favorite way to spend the afternoon but one couldn't agree with the officers of H.M.S. Midgar. The sailors were kept with an iron hand but they didn't rebel. Captain Sephiroth inspired fear and loyalty within the same breath while the first mate, Zack bothered with the more earthly wishes of the men, like the rum whenever they stayed in a harbor. So in Cloud's mind the thought of stopping didn't even occur as he scrubbed the hard wood on his knees. There was a shadow behind him but he didn't look up as he reached to wet the rag in the bucket. However, he misjudged the distance and with a beautiful punch he managed to shower the dirty water at himself and all around the deck.
A surprised gasp rewarded his action and a moment of silence. For a heartbeat, time seemed to stop, the sailors all froze in mid-motion and in their eyes, the frost of fear started to glitter. Those, who were close, took a step back and nobody complained about Cloud's clumsiness. None, except a single person.
"Your name... It's Cloud, isn't it?"
Cloud swallowed as he looked up. The man who addressed him was tall and regal, his silver hair bound back. The filthy liquid was dripping from his fine coat and maybe it even soaked the white shirt. Cloud could feel as the blood ran out of his face. "A-aye, Capt'n," he replied with only a bit of shuttering.
A strong but still graceful white hand reached out, grabbed the startled young sailor at the collar and Sephiroth lifted him up with ease. His vibrant green eyes blazed with anger and his grip was firm. He held Cloud there, a few inches above the deck and just gazed at him. The captain's noble face was splattered with dirty water, there were drops of it in his shining hair - he was proud of it and everybody agreed that he had the right to. "Cloud," the voice was deep, and frighteningly calm. "Tell me but one reason why I shouldn't let you be tied to the mast for the seagulls to pick apart your flesh."
Cloud hung there as a rag-doll and tried to pick up his scattered wits. His clear blue eyes widened as he wished to be somewhere else with all of his heart. "I'm sorry, sir, it was an accident...?" he offered at last.
"Accidents shouldn't result in a deck dirtier than before you started to wash up and you ruined my clothes." The captain's voice turned a shade sharper. "Do you have an idea, how much a good coat costs, Cloud? I doubt about it. I also doubt that you'll ever become a proper sailor. Selling flowers is a job you should try. In your next life." The tall man turned, with the young boy still dangling in his hand and began to walk toward the railing, presumably to drop Cloud into the ocean.
"Please, sir...!" Cloud grabbed at Sephiroth's hand and tried to hinder the process but without much success. The other man was stronger and taller than him and the youth didn't want to strike his captain even in panic. They were almost at the railing when the first mate arrived to the deck. Zack wore his uniform with ease but he refused to use the powdered wig outside of official ceremonies. Half of his black hair was tied back, the other half was before his eyes in long bangs.
"Captain?" he asked as he tried to guess what happened, although the tipped over bucket and the smudges on Sephiroth's usually immaculate overcoat were enough hints. "What're you planning to do?"
"Dispose of the nuisance before he sinks us," Sephiroth growled. There was no doubt he had meant it bloody seriously.
Another man approached carefully. "Ahm, Cap'n, fer one word-"
"What is it, Cid?" The silver-haired man's frustration was nearly visible around his tall form. He hated when he couldn't carry out his will.
"Well, if yer dunk him, we'll be 'ne hand short, sir." The good old Cid, the best helmsman across the seven seas was wise enough to not push the issue. Sephiroth knew well that this was a long journey and they needed every man. The ocean would probably claim a few sailors anyway.
Zack touched his fingers to Sephiroth's arm for a moment, just to gain the captain's attention again. He didn't like to offer up punishments but this was a ship and a serious one, not some pirate vessel. "Maybe a whipping would be enough to teach him to be more careful, Captain," he said.
"We'll try to clean that coat of yers, Capt'n," Cid added with just a hint of cheerful belief. Apparently, he didn't like the idea of seeing the kid becoming fish food.
Sephiroth let out an exasperated sigh and set Cloud to his feet although he didn't release him. "What do you say Cloud? Should I be generous and spare your miserable life? These gentlemen seem to trust you."
Cloud could sense this was somehow a trap but he didn't want to die. He was too young, barely sixteen and there were many things he wanted to try out before his death at old age. So he risked a nod with an added, "Please, Capt'n! It won't happen ever again...!"
"Better not!" Sephiroth snarled and threw the young sailor a few feet away. "Ten slashes with a whip," he turned to Zack. "And nothing else than bread and water for him in the next three days. Make sure the deck is washed up. I'm off to change." He turned sharply on his heels and took a few steps. They, he threw a glance over his shoulder. "And Zack... Make sure he's punished by a _capable_ man."
"Aye, Capt'n," Zack nodded then glanced at Cloud, still on the desk. "Stand up, sailor!" he snapped then turned to Cid with a small sigh. He loathed whipping anyone but it didn't mean he would go against his captain's orders. "Get Rude here, now! And ask Tseng to clean the Capt'n's clothes."
Cloud climbed to his feet and stared uncertainly at Zack. The fear of the whip settled in the top of his stomach even as the relief of being alive flooded him.
"Aye," Cid nodded and took the boy by the arm. "Yer comin' with me. Should thank Zack sir to save yer sorry ass. Never seen the Cap'n this angry before."
Cloud glanced back at this at the first mate. "Thank you, sir!" he said then turned back to watch his steps before he stumbled and embarrassed himself - or worse, managed to dirty someone else’s clothes as well. The way to the quarterdeck was the fastest and slowest he ever had, and Cloud swallowed as he was pushed against the mast. The wood under his feet was darkened.
Cid cast a last, sympathetic glance at him then left, to carry out the rest of the orders after telling the sentence to the assigned executor. The dark-skinned Rude stepped forward with a rope in his hands. He was tall and strong, the only one who matched the captain in bodily strength. He was always silent and usually kept his eyes cast downwards when he was in company although nobody really minded it, as those eyes had such a sharp gaze as if they could have cut a rock with ease. "Shed that shirt," he told to Cloud and his deep voice sent shivers down the boy's spine.
The youth pulled off said garment then dropped them to the side at a barrel. He was afraid and wanted to be somewhere very-very far away. Still he embraced the pole and didn't protest as the rope was tied around his wrists and the wood to keep him from falling. He couldn't see the lash but could hear it as Rude moved it experimentally through the air once and Cloud tensed involuntary.
The bald giant scratched his stubble with the leather strap. "You're lucky. Men use to get twenty or more." Then, he raised the weapon and swung it down forcefully. The lash contacted with Cloud's fair back with a sharp sound and left an angry red line in its leave. Rude didn't hold back - he had no orders to be gentle with the kid. His hits followed each other steadily.
Pain blossomed in Cloud's back and he couldn't hold back a small grunt. Then another, as there was not enough time between the hits for him to adjust. After the fifth his yelps were loud, and the last two hits earned two sharp cries, echoing in the high seas and across H.M.S. Midgar.
In the captain's cabin, Sephiroth stopped brushing his hair and he smirked. He felt satisfied that the brat got what he deserved - after all, one has to keep up discipline on the sea. Otherwise, they could all die. And the cries reminded him on something. Placing the brush on the table, the silver-haired man leaned back in his chair. Three days, huh? The marks will fade and the chores will break the kid just a bit. The captain grinned to himself. This was going to be fun.
After the tenth hit, Rude lowered the whip and stepped to the mast to release Cloud. The few sailors, who were watching silently moved along and everything fell back into its usual working order.
Cloud was light-headed from the pain and a bit dizzy. As his hands lowered, the pain renewed in his back, the muscles and his shoulder-blades pulling at the marks. He grabbed Rude's hand to steady himself, breathing and releasing the air slowly. After a few seconds, he let go and reached for his shirt. He was hissing with each movement but was determined to overcome the pain.
The dark man smiled seeing the bravery he hadn't really expected from the kid. "Keep it up," he told him, "The brave face. Don’t screw up and punch back. And never believe a woman. Then you'll live long."
Cloud glanced at Rude in surprise; he couldn't remember ever hearing the other man say this much to anyone, and definitely not to him. However, the piece of advice was welcome and the young sailor nodded a bit, testing how much could he move without much pain. "Thanks. I'll remember this."
Rude nodded then beckoned. "Come. We have some potatoes to peel." Boatswain Veld assigned Reno to the task though but it was better to keep the redhead away from knives. He was deadly with them.
Cloud thought about protesting - the deck needed to be moped again - but then just followed the older sailor. Kitchen-duty would be easier on his back than washing the deck and there was definitely less chance of the seawater splashing against any of the welts.
Those three days passed uneventfully. Cloud had much to do and the orders of the captain were carried out properly; he didn't get anything more to eat than his usual portion of rusk. Even Rude, who seemed to somewhat patronize him wouldn't bend and Cloud received a powerful smack on the head with a heavy wooden spoon when he got weak and tried to steal a piece of meat. The others - the reckless Reno, the beautiful Tseng, Rod, Ryle and Gunner - seemed to have an interest in him as well. They pulled him close at nights when they drank and sang. Once Rod even caught the bag the boy nearly dropped with a wink.
The first mate had spared him a glance at the first day but not more; he seemingly trusted the other sailors to keep Cloud out of the captain's ways. The young sailor's wounds healed, but he still couldn't lift his hands above his head without a few painful hisses, and reaching backwards was definitely out of the pack.
On the third night, the sailors sat down again to have their share of rum and sing. Reno knew many dirty songs and Tseng had a wonderful voice. The smiling, auburn-haired Rod pulled Cloud into the circle again and pushed him down. Veld and Cid sat a little further apart, smoking. They were the real, rough old sea dogs after all. However, before they could begin with the usual ritual, the captain appeared and walked to them. He was wearing his coat Cloud splashed; Tseng managed to clean it. It was interesting to watch the faces as he drew closer; some held distant fear, some utter adoration, mysterious dark flames or even mocking cockiness but in each gaze, there was clear respect.
"According to the map, we'll reach the shores tomorrow," Sephiroth announced and Cid nodded in the background. "The weather doesn't seem to change. We'll have to stop for the whole day anyway, so you'll be all granted with leave. Except," he held up his index finger, "Cloud."
Cloud swallowed and looked around with something akin to panic as the captain approached them then glanced up when it became inescapably clear that Sephiroth was talking about him. He wasn't exactly stupid just a bit slow but this time he knew there was no way to protest or to ask questions about 'why'. So, he settled at the neutral "Aye, Capt'n."
The tall silvery man stood there, appearing completely pleased with himself, then he smiled. A real smile, without any malice or cruelty. Tseng licked his lips.
"However, I'd like to remind you boy that your punishment is over. Give him some rum, Rude. And Reno, I want to hear the "Whale of a tale".
The redhead laughed out and rose his own bottle at the captain. Sephiroth walked back to Zack and leaned at the railing. Soon, the first accords rose on Ryle's harmonica.
"Got a whale of a tale to tell ya, lads
A whale of a tale or two
'Bout the flappin' fish and the girls I've loved
On nights like this with the moon above
A whale of a tale and it's all true
I swear by my tattoo."
Zack glanced at the captain then turned around, to properly see him. His contentedness and almost-happiness was rare sight and the black-haired man enjoyed it immensely. The railing was steady under their weight and the first mate smiled, when he caught Sephiroth's glance. "What was this about?" he asked.
A silvery eyebrow arched at the question. "What do you mean, Zack?"
"Keeping the boy 'ere. I was planning to let him get drunk to celebrate that he survived this long," Zack replied then looked up at the stars. "You're not angry anymore at him, are you, Captain?"
"It's not anger," Sephiroth turned his face upward to stare at the moon. "More like the opposite. He's so fresh, so frail and yet, I can see determination in him. I told the boy he will never be a good sailor. He might prove me wrong."
Zack smiled at the words and glanced at the captain. His eyes were never guarded, and the devotion, respect, and friendship he felt for Sephiroth were always clear to read - just like now. "Then... Don't break him if you want him to be right."
"I want to conquer him," the captain's smile gained an interesting edge and his fists clenched. "I want to hear him yell, to see him lay broken on my bed! And after all that, I want to see him smile. Just look at him," he gestured toward the sailors. "They are all mine, body and soul. If tomorrow I’ve announced we're changing course and we'll be pirates, there won't be a protesting word. But Cloud is still out of my reach. I want to change that. I want to watch him becoming a man."
Zack nodded, agreeing. If the captain had ordered them to go against the law, all of them would have followed him. "Bend him to your will but don't break him, Sephiroth," he said, hoping his words would be enough and that the breach of protocol wouldn't be an issue right now. "You've no use for puppets without an own will."
The captain nodded absent-mindedly. "Like a sword. They all are. An extension of my hand, and, you know, I value good blades. Breaking them is a shame." He looked back at the first mate and his vibrant green eyes bore into Zack's violet ones. "Let them have their fun while we have our own, do you agree?"
"Aye, Captain," Zack said and straightened, ready to follow Sephiroth even to the gates of Hell, or to the captain's cabin as the case was. Even though buggery was a sin worthy of hanging, it was a law Sephiroth didn't deem worthy to keep; he knew the human nature better than to try and enforce it. And on a ship the captain's words were the only laws that one needed to head.
Author:
okami_hu & kira_k!Verse: 7Seas FF7 AU
Rating: PG
Warning: slight violence
Characters: Sephiroth, Cloud, Zack, Cid, Rude, rest of the crew
Word count:
Note: This is the first chapter of the 7Seas AU I’m working on with my trusty co-author. The basic idea is a change in the time period, placing the story in a setting similar to the state of Earth in the 18th century, where Sephiroth is a renowned captain of the ship H.M.S. Midgar.
Scrubbing the deck wasn't Cloud's favorite way to spend the afternoon but one couldn't agree with the officers of H.M.S. Midgar. The sailors were kept with an iron hand but they didn't rebel. Captain Sephiroth inspired fear and loyalty within the same breath while the first mate, Zack bothered with the more earthly wishes of the men, like the rum whenever they stayed in a harbor. So in Cloud's mind the thought of stopping didn't even occur as he scrubbed the hard wood on his knees. There was a shadow behind him but he didn't look up as he reached to wet the rag in the bucket. However, he misjudged the distance and with a beautiful punch he managed to shower the dirty water at himself and all around the deck.
A surprised gasp rewarded his action and a moment of silence. For a heartbeat, time seemed to stop, the sailors all froze in mid-motion and in their eyes, the frost of fear started to glitter. Those, who were close, took a step back and nobody complained about Cloud's clumsiness. None, except a single person.
"Your name... It's Cloud, isn't it?"
Cloud swallowed as he looked up. The man who addressed him was tall and regal, his silver hair bound back. The filthy liquid was dripping from his fine coat and maybe it even soaked the white shirt. Cloud could feel as the blood ran out of his face. "A-aye, Capt'n," he replied with only a bit of shuttering.
A strong but still graceful white hand reached out, grabbed the startled young sailor at the collar and Sephiroth lifted him up with ease. His vibrant green eyes blazed with anger and his grip was firm. He held Cloud there, a few inches above the deck and just gazed at him. The captain's noble face was splattered with dirty water, there were drops of it in his shining hair - he was proud of it and everybody agreed that he had the right to. "Cloud," the voice was deep, and frighteningly calm. "Tell me but one reason why I shouldn't let you be tied to the mast for the seagulls to pick apart your flesh."
Cloud hung there as a rag-doll and tried to pick up his scattered wits. His clear blue eyes widened as he wished to be somewhere else with all of his heart. "I'm sorry, sir, it was an accident...?" he offered at last.
"Accidents shouldn't result in a deck dirtier than before you started to wash up and you ruined my clothes." The captain's voice turned a shade sharper. "Do you have an idea, how much a good coat costs, Cloud? I doubt about it. I also doubt that you'll ever become a proper sailor. Selling flowers is a job you should try. In your next life." The tall man turned, with the young boy still dangling in his hand and began to walk toward the railing, presumably to drop Cloud into the ocean.
"Please, sir...!" Cloud grabbed at Sephiroth's hand and tried to hinder the process but without much success. The other man was stronger and taller than him and the youth didn't want to strike his captain even in panic. They were almost at the railing when the first mate arrived to the deck. Zack wore his uniform with ease but he refused to use the powdered wig outside of official ceremonies. Half of his black hair was tied back, the other half was before his eyes in long bangs.
"Captain?" he asked as he tried to guess what happened, although the tipped over bucket and the smudges on Sephiroth's usually immaculate overcoat were enough hints. "What're you planning to do?"
"Dispose of the nuisance before he sinks us," Sephiroth growled. There was no doubt he had meant it bloody seriously.
Another man approached carefully. "Ahm, Cap'n, fer one word-"
"What is it, Cid?" The silver-haired man's frustration was nearly visible around his tall form. He hated when he couldn't carry out his will.
"Well, if yer dunk him, we'll be 'ne hand short, sir." The good old Cid, the best helmsman across the seven seas was wise enough to not push the issue. Sephiroth knew well that this was a long journey and they needed every man. The ocean would probably claim a few sailors anyway.
Zack touched his fingers to Sephiroth's arm for a moment, just to gain the captain's attention again. He didn't like to offer up punishments but this was a ship and a serious one, not some pirate vessel. "Maybe a whipping would be enough to teach him to be more careful, Captain," he said.
"We'll try to clean that coat of yers, Capt'n," Cid added with just a hint of cheerful belief. Apparently, he didn't like the idea of seeing the kid becoming fish food.
Sephiroth let out an exasperated sigh and set Cloud to his feet although he didn't release him. "What do you say Cloud? Should I be generous and spare your miserable life? These gentlemen seem to trust you."
Cloud could sense this was somehow a trap but he didn't want to die. He was too young, barely sixteen and there were many things he wanted to try out before his death at old age. So he risked a nod with an added, "Please, Capt'n! It won't happen ever again...!"
"Better not!" Sephiroth snarled and threw the young sailor a few feet away. "Ten slashes with a whip," he turned to Zack. "And nothing else than bread and water for him in the next three days. Make sure the deck is washed up. I'm off to change." He turned sharply on his heels and took a few steps. They, he threw a glance over his shoulder. "And Zack... Make sure he's punished by a _capable_ man."
"Aye, Capt'n," Zack nodded then glanced at Cloud, still on the desk. "Stand up, sailor!" he snapped then turned to Cid with a small sigh. He loathed whipping anyone but it didn't mean he would go against his captain's orders. "Get Rude here, now! And ask Tseng to clean the Capt'n's clothes."
Cloud climbed to his feet and stared uncertainly at Zack. The fear of the whip settled in the top of his stomach even as the relief of being alive flooded him.
"Aye," Cid nodded and took the boy by the arm. "Yer comin' with me. Should thank Zack sir to save yer sorry ass. Never seen the Cap'n this angry before."
Cloud glanced back at this at the first mate. "Thank you, sir!" he said then turned back to watch his steps before he stumbled and embarrassed himself - or worse, managed to dirty someone else’s clothes as well. The way to the quarterdeck was the fastest and slowest he ever had, and Cloud swallowed as he was pushed against the mast. The wood under his feet was darkened.
Cid cast a last, sympathetic glance at him then left, to carry out the rest of the orders after telling the sentence to the assigned executor. The dark-skinned Rude stepped forward with a rope in his hands. He was tall and strong, the only one who matched the captain in bodily strength. He was always silent and usually kept his eyes cast downwards when he was in company although nobody really minded it, as those eyes had such a sharp gaze as if they could have cut a rock with ease. "Shed that shirt," he told to Cloud and his deep voice sent shivers down the boy's spine.
The youth pulled off said garment then dropped them to the side at a barrel. He was afraid and wanted to be somewhere very-very far away. Still he embraced the pole and didn't protest as the rope was tied around his wrists and the wood to keep him from falling. He couldn't see the lash but could hear it as Rude moved it experimentally through the air once and Cloud tensed involuntary.
The bald giant scratched his stubble with the leather strap. "You're lucky. Men use to get twenty or more." Then, he raised the weapon and swung it down forcefully. The lash contacted with Cloud's fair back with a sharp sound and left an angry red line in its leave. Rude didn't hold back - he had no orders to be gentle with the kid. His hits followed each other steadily.
Pain blossomed in Cloud's back and he couldn't hold back a small grunt. Then another, as there was not enough time between the hits for him to adjust. After the fifth his yelps were loud, and the last two hits earned two sharp cries, echoing in the high seas and across H.M.S. Midgar.
In the captain's cabin, Sephiroth stopped brushing his hair and he smirked. He felt satisfied that the brat got what he deserved - after all, one has to keep up discipline on the sea. Otherwise, they could all die. And the cries reminded him on something. Placing the brush on the table, the silver-haired man leaned back in his chair. Three days, huh? The marks will fade and the chores will break the kid just a bit. The captain grinned to himself. This was going to be fun.
After the tenth hit, Rude lowered the whip and stepped to the mast to release Cloud. The few sailors, who were watching silently moved along and everything fell back into its usual working order.
Cloud was light-headed from the pain and a bit dizzy. As his hands lowered, the pain renewed in his back, the muscles and his shoulder-blades pulling at the marks. He grabbed Rude's hand to steady himself, breathing and releasing the air slowly. After a few seconds, he let go and reached for his shirt. He was hissing with each movement but was determined to overcome the pain.
The dark man smiled seeing the bravery he hadn't really expected from the kid. "Keep it up," he told him, "The brave face. Don’t screw up and punch back. And never believe a woman. Then you'll live long."
Cloud glanced at Rude in surprise; he couldn't remember ever hearing the other man say this much to anyone, and definitely not to him. However, the piece of advice was welcome and the young sailor nodded a bit, testing how much could he move without much pain. "Thanks. I'll remember this."
Rude nodded then beckoned. "Come. We have some potatoes to peel." Boatswain Veld assigned Reno to the task though but it was better to keep the redhead away from knives. He was deadly with them.
Cloud thought about protesting - the deck needed to be moped again - but then just followed the older sailor. Kitchen-duty would be easier on his back than washing the deck and there was definitely less chance of the seawater splashing against any of the welts.
Those three days passed uneventfully. Cloud had much to do and the orders of the captain were carried out properly; he didn't get anything more to eat than his usual portion of rusk. Even Rude, who seemed to somewhat patronize him wouldn't bend and Cloud received a powerful smack on the head with a heavy wooden spoon when he got weak and tried to steal a piece of meat. The others - the reckless Reno, the beautiful Tseng, Rod, Ryle and Gunner - seemed to have an interest in him as well. They pulled him close at nights when they drank and sang. Once Rod even caught the bag the boy nearly dropped with a wink.
The first mate had spared him a glance at the first day but not more; he seemingly trusted the other sailors to keep Cloud out of the captain's ways. The young sailor's wounds healed, but he still couldn't lift his hands above his head without a few painful hisses, and reaching backwards was definitely out of the pack.
On the third night, the sailors sat down again to have their share of rum and sing. Reno knew many dirty songs and Tseng had a wonderful voice. The smiling, auburn-haired Rod pulled Cloud into the circle again and pushed him down. Veld and Cid sat a little further apart, smoking. They were the real, rough old sea dogs after all. However, before they could begin with the usual ritual, the captain appeared and walked to them. He was wearing his coat Cloud splashed; Tseng managed to clean it. It was interesting to watch the faces as he drew closer; some held distant fear, some utter adoration, mysterious dark flames or even mocking cockiness but in each gaze, there was clear respect.
"According to the map, we'll reach the shores tomorrow," Sephiroth announced and Cid nodded in the background. "The weather doesn't seem to change. We'll have to stop for the whole day anyway, so you'll be all granted with leave. Except," he held up his index finger, "Cloud."
Cloud swallowed and looked around with something akin to panic as the captain approached them then glanced up when it became inescapably clear that Sephiroth was talking about him. He wasn't exactly stupid just a bit slow but this time he knew there was no way to protest or to ask questions about 'why'. So, he settled at the neutral "Aye, Capt'n."
The tall silvery man stood there, appearing completely pleased with himself, then he smiled. A real smile, without any malice or cruelty. Tseng licked his lips.
"However, I'd like to remind you boy that your punishment is over. Give him some rum, Rude. And Reno, I want to hear the "Whale of a tale".
The redhead laughed out and rose his own bottle at the captain. Sephiroth walked back to Zack and leaned at the railing. Soon, the first accords rose on Ryle's harmonica.
"Got a whale of a tale to tell ya, lads
A whale of a tale or two
'Bout the flappin' fish and the girls I've loved
On nights like this with the moon above
A whale of a tale and it's all true
I swear by my tattoo."
Zack glanced at the captain then turned around, to properly see him. His contentedness and almost-happiness was rare sight and the black-haired man enjoyed it immensely. The railing was steady under their weight and the first mate smiled, when he caught Sephiroth's glance. "What was this about?" he asked.
A silvery eyebrow arched at the question. "What do you mean, Zack?"
"Keeping the boy 'ere. I was planning to let him get drunk to celebrate that he survived this long," Zack replied then looked up at the stars. "You're not angry anymore at him, are you, Captain?"
"It's not anger," Sephiroth turned his face upward to stare at the moon. "More like the opposite. He's so fresh, so frail and yet, I can see determination in him. I told the boy he will never be a good sailor. He might prove me wrong."
Zack smiled at the words and glanced at the captain. His eyes were never guarded, and the devotion, respect, and friendship he felt for Sephiroth were always clear to read - just like now. "Then... Don't break him if you want him to be right."
"I want to conquer him," the captain's smile gained an interesting edge and his fists clenched. "I want to hear him yell, to see him lay broken on my bed! And after all that, I want to see him smile. Just look at him," he gestured toward the sailors. "They are all mine, body and soul. If tomorrow I’ve announced we're changing course and we'll be pirates, there won't be a protesting word. But Cloud is still out of my reach. I want to change that. I want to watch him becoming a man."
Zack nodded, agreeing. If the captain had ordered them to go against the law, all of them would have followed him. "Bend him to your will but don't break him, Sephiroth," he said, hoping his words would be enough and that the breach of protocol wouldn't be an issue right now. "You've no use for puppets without an own will."
The captain nodded absent-mindedly. "Like a sword. They all are. An extension of my hand, and, you know, I value good blades. Breaking them is a shame." He looked back at the first mate and his vibrant green eyes bore into Zack's violet ones. "Let them have their fun while we have our own, do you agree?"
"Aye, Captain," Zack said and straightened, ready to follow Sephiroth even to the gates of Hell, or to the captain's cabin as the case was. Even though buggery was a sin worthy of hanging, it was a law Sephiroth didn't deem worthy to keep; he knew the human nature better than to try and enforce it. And on a ship the captain's words were the only laws that one needed to head.